For several years now, thermal modernization of apartment buildings has been underway in the Qajaran, Kapan, and Sisian communities, Syunik Region, as part of “De-risking and Scaling-up Investment in Energy Efficient Building Retrofits” project, which kicked off in July 2017 and will continue until July 2026. It is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and under the coordination of RA Ministry of Environment.
The total budget of the project amounts to 4.168 billion AMD.
On July 18–19, 2025, project officials visited Syunik to assess the completed work, hear the feedback of beneficiaries, and discuss next steps.
As part of the project, 42 apartment buildings and 3 public buildings have already been thermally upgraded. In the near future, an additional 8 apartment buildings and 6 public buildings are planned for thermal modernization, continuing cooperation with the communities of Qajaran and Kapan.
The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.118 million tons of CO₂ by 2026. So far, 0.412 million tons of CO₂ have been reduced.
UNDP’s Resident Representative Natia Natsvlishvili emphasized: “The residents are living more comfortably, and lower energy consumption directly contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which positively impacts the environment.”
According to Qajaran Mayor Manvel Paramazyan, priority is given to panel buildings, as they face serious issues with insulation.
Thanks to thermal insulation of walls, roofs, and basements of apartment buildings, residents can maintain the same indoor temperature with less energy. According to building engineer-analyst Andre Ohanyan, thermal savings in some buildings have reached up to 60%. This translates into monthly savings of up to 15,000 AMD for an average family, along with reduced energy and fuel costs.
“Winters in Qajaran have always been harsh. Most of the buildings are Soviet-era panel blocks with thin walls. Now, things are better. Instead of paying 60,000–70,000 AMD before, we now pay 45,000–50,000 AMD. Gas expenses have dropped by 10–15 thousand drams, which is significant for our daily lives. I can now invest that money in other important things. Most importantly, something is finally being done in Syunik for the benefit of nature,” a Qajaran resident noted.
Ani Avetisyan for EcoLur
July 22, 2025 at 16:26