Panama needs this as much as any modern country that is growing rapidly and finds themselves short on energy. The construction sector is concerned about an initiative announced by the government to amend the building code and incorporate standards to save energy in new buildings.

The head of the National Secretariat of Energy, Victor Urrutia, announced that he will present an executive decree to amend the current legislation in order to incentivise the construction sector to focuses on saving energy.

Panamaamerica.com.pa reports that “…Urrutia said that the approximately 200 glass skyscrapers that make up the skyline of Panama City is not an example of energy efficiency, therefore there is a need to create this new code. “

Representatives from the construction sector do not agree with Urrutia’s view, and believe that “... Adding new construction regulations to the existing ones will affect them even more than they are right now.”

According to Ivan Carlucci, former president of the Panamanian Association of Brokers and Real Estate Promoters (Acobir), buildings that are built in the country are efficient because they are equipped with thermoacoustic windows, which allow less sunlight to enter, lessening the need for air conditioning in offices. In Carlucci’s opinion … it is ‘worrying’ that someone has come on the scene who is not directly linked to the construction industry who wants to issue regulations related to the development of new projects.”