On the 14th of May 2013, the Atlas hall of the Radisson Blu Hotel - Bucharest has hosted more than 500 experts who have formed the auditorium of the International Conference on Sustainable Construction and Energy Efficiency EURO-Constructii (the second edition, whose symposia took place in parallel with the International Conference on Joinery and Curtain Walls EURO-Fereastra (the fifth edition). Thus, for the second year in a row when everything was organized in this formula, both events were a success both in terms of participation of decision factors of the most important companies in the construction, plumbing, carpentry and related fields (together with officials from central and local authorities, from the academic field, designers, architects etc.) and in terms of accuracy and timeliness of topics. The first plenary session, moderated by Elena Icleanu, editor in chief of Agenda Constructiilor, and Corina Danila, was initiated by Cristian Stamatiade, Director of Engineering in Construction Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration (MDRAP) who referred to the new main legislation and initiatives developed by relevant central authorities, pointing out, however, that "if the watchword in present is energy efficiency, further attention should be focused on quality, operational safety and durability of the constructions". "In terms of energy efficiency, milestones in terms of the legislative process have already been completed. However, for the application of existing rules, the construction projects should receive adequate funding. If we speak about investments of public interest, where the rehabilitation program of the buildings is included, the budget and European funds have to be used effectively, since - in many cases - are wasted. The requirement of presenting the energy certificate when selling or renting a building starting from July this year, will boost the sustainable construction sector, especially as the inspection of the existence of such a document which states the energy consumption of a building, housing units and so on, will be performed by the financial administration officials, when the transcription of ownership or registration of the lease contract are made", said Cristian Stamatiade. For further information and a detailed analysis of the current Agenda Constructiilor issue click here!