Buildings are a central component to meeting the sustainability challenges in Armenia. In the developed world, over 70% of the electric power generated and 40% of total primary energy is consumed in buildings. The energy services required in these structures are responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions. By 2050, 75-90% of buildings worldwide will be in use, and in addition, developing countries will need to accommodate 2.4 billion new residents in urban areas.
Taking these aspects into account, a local event focusing on “High-Performance Building Standards” was hosted by UNDP and UNECE in Yerevan on 21-22 November 2019. The objective of the event, which was conducted in partnership with the International Passive House Association (IPHA) and the Passive House Institute, was to inform the first stakeholder community of selected building design features, targeted building materials and specific construction techniques. Furthermore, attendees could take part in the hands-on, interactive demonstration of proper methods and approaches for insulation, thermal bridges, indoor air quality, and heat recovery.
Through a series of presentations, panel discussions and networking sessions for market players and a facilitated separate working session for technical experts, the more than 80 participants developed a shared understanding of the experiences and challenges faced in applying high-performance building principles in Armenia. The GEFF in Armenia was represented by the local project implementation team during the discussions on innovative financing and business models, taking environmental and social impact into consideration.
“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 Andro Butkhuzi, GEFF Deputy Project Manager. “The needed acceleration of investments in the energy efficiency of Armenian buildings can be reached through a clear legal basis and the mobilisation of private finance as well as sustainable and innovative financing mechanisms.”
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