The building sector has a key role to play in the implementation of Armenia’s energy transition since it accounts for almost 40% of the country’s energy consumption. There are many ways to enhance energy efficiency in buildings.
New buildings are to be designed to use as little energy as possible and have to comply with the minimum requirements of the Construction Norms RACN 24-01-2016 “Thermal Protection of Buildings”. The majority of existing buildings also need to become more energy-efficient. Draughty windows and non-insulated roofs and outside walls mean that older buildings, in particular, consume a lot of energy. Insulating the building’s outer shell, replacing old heating units and renovating windows cuts energy costs, improves living comfort, and creates a higher property value, while at the same time making a valuable contribution towards the mitigation of climate change.
The transition to energy-efficient buildings also requires the development of adequate legislation, along with efficient functioning of national and local initiatives to support the implementation of individual energy projects and to foster positive spill-over effects in the building stock. In addition, efficient access to high-quality data, as well as the development and use of common indicators, can support stakeholders in making informed decisions, collaborating and making evidence-based policy.
Taking these aspects into account, a webinar on how to overcome the existing barriers to the energy transition of buildings was hosted by UNECE and UNDP Armenia on 12 May 2020. The objective of the event was to identify the elements needed to develop data solutions to support this transition in Armenia based on the case study of the respective territory and insights from international experience. This is of particular relevance since – as mentioned above – easily accessible high-quality data, combined with the development and use of common indicators, can help stakeholders to make informed decisions, make policy that is evidence-based, and collaborate on various projects.
Through a series of presentations and interactive discussions, the more than 60 participants developed a shared understanding of the key elements and challenges in moving forward with the energy transition of buildings. The GEFF in Armenia was represented by the local project implementation team during the discussions on local and regional initiatives as well as innovative financing options.
“Investing in energy-efficient buildings, whether by building from scratch or by completely renovating the existing stock of buildings, has great untapped potential – for jobs, growth and the transition to a low-carbon society,” said Mikhayil Gevorgyan, GEFF PFI Relationship Manager. “In order to accelerate the investments in the energy efficiency of Armenian buildings, however, clear and appropriate legislation – as well as efficient functioning of national and local initiatives to support the implementation of building projects – is required.”
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