On the pathway to “green” economy, UN continued supporting the adoption of alternative energy solutions and saw savings in local budgets thanks to the application of energy-efficient, green solutions. One such example was installation of photovoltaic systems, solar water heaters and LED streetlights with view of generating savings for municipalities and redirecting community funds to other needs. In Aznvadzor village, for instance, an early spring morning in 2021 started with the vibrant sounds of young men installing solar water heaters on the roof of the local school building. Now they have more energy and have already started saving on their energy bills and reducing use of firewood. “Our expenditures have decreased by four times,” says Gohar Sargsyan, a displaced woman who has benefitted from the programme. More broadly, 10 communities hosting about 12,000 spontaneous arrivals saved over 43,000 USD in energy costs through solar thermal and photovoltaic systems provided by the UN.

UN energy efficiency efforts attracted the interest of the GoA to the extent that the Government Decree regulating the state subvention program was amended to make energy efficient residential buildings’ retrofits eligible for state funding. With UN’s continuous support, Armenia set an ambitious 40% CO2 emissions NDC target for 2030.  

© Delegation of the European Union to Armenia
“The European Union aims to be the first continent worldwide to become climate neutral in 2050…The green transition will change the way food is produced and consumed, the way people travel and move, and much more. To get there, everyone will need to do their bit.”
Andrea Wiktorin, EU Ambassador to Armenia, at the UN-held youth contest award ceremony dedicated to World Environment Day
© WFP Armenia
“Armenia's NDC 2021-2030 demonstrates not only our increased climate ambitions, but also sets the country’s approach of rethinking economic development patterns and accelerating actions towards the transition to a more sustainable, resilient and low-carbon economy. This transition is at the core of country's energy independence, energy security and green growth.”
Romanos Petrosyan, the Minister of Environment of the Republic of Armenia