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.