RECP Innovative approaches towards sustainable industrial development in Armenia
The goal of the awareness meeting on "RECP Innovative approaches towards sustainable industrial development in Armenia" was to present the results of the RECP activities and outline innovative solutions recommended and implemented within EU4 Environment Action in Armenia.
An awareness event has been opened by the representative of the RA Ministry of Environment Mrs. Lilit Abrhmyan, Head of the Water Policy Department. She has mentioned the importance of circular solutions and resource efficiency in the promotion of green agenda at the national level, as well as an eagerness to support RECP measures further through collaboration with REC C, the private sector, research organizations, NGOs, and all stakeholders.
Real-world business cases from Armenia will be showcased, demonstrating how RECP principles are actively enhancing sustainability and fostering innovation in industries such as food/agriculture, construction materials, chemical production (including metal and plastic production), energy and water solutions, and technical approaches tested within pilot projects funded by EU, Energy Saving Foundation, International Center for Agriculture Research and Education and other companies.
Specific case studies from Armenian enterprises implemented within the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) activities taking place under the EU-funded EU4 Environment Action reveal the tangible benefits of RECP implementation. These include significant reductions in energy and water consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions, coupled with cost savings and improved production efficiencies. Such examples illustrate the potential of RECP to drive both environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness.
The event gathered stakeholder organizations engaged in Circular Economy approaches, providing an opportunity to share industry experiences and discuss recommendations for further supporting the promotion of RECP innovations among manufacturing enterprises in Armenia.
Innovative solutions have been presented by
- Ms. Nune Harutyunyan, EU4Environment RECP project national coordinator, presented "Innovation as a key for the introduction of circular practices through RECP in Armenia",
- Ms. Dshkhuhi Sahakyan, Green Club lead and RECP Technical expert on "Green Club innovation methods and approaches",
- Ms. Astghine Pasoyan, President, Energy Saving Foundation, RECP expert presenting Experience of Energy Saving Foundation
- Mr. Tigran Sekoyan, EU4Environment Technical Expert, EU4Environment RECP project, "Recommended Solutions in Energy Efficiency and Climate Change"
- Mr. Artur Grigoryan, Director ICARE. Innovation through Water Efficiency”
- Ms. Lilit Apujanyan, RECP expert, “RECP experiences and innovative solutions for producers, textile production”.
The engaging discussions among participants at a recent event showcased a keen interest in RECP practices, business cases and innovative experiences, particularly in the areas of sustainability and collaboration. The highlights included:
Collaboration Through Partnership Relations Between SMEs: A focus was placed on the opportunities and benefits arising from partnership relations between SMEs, especially through the use of recycled materials from textiles, plastics, and waste. These partnerships, exemplified by the successful utilization of resources for mutual benefit, have garnered widespread encouragement. An intriguing model of collaboration mentioned by Ms. Harutyunyan involves Eco-industrial parks, leveraging RECP (Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production) and circular solutions. This concept, currently being trialed in several countries, holds potential for application in Armenia, contingent upon SMEs and the private sector's interest and facilitating collaboration.
Innovative Environmental Projects on Plastic Recycling with Communities and Municipalities: REC Caucasus highlighted its EU-funded project, EU 1138 APRA, which focuses on plastic separation in communities and has fostered successful collaborations with the local municipalities of Vanadzor and Dilijan. This initiative has seen plastic collected, recycled, and then sold by municipalities.
Solar Energy and Sustainability: The popularity of solar energy stations was discussed, alongside concerns about their placement on arable lands, which could exacerbate land scarcity issues. The conversation also explored the use of water collections powered by solar energy, especially beneficial in winter.
Legislative Advances in Circular Water Systems for Fish Producing Companies: Mrs. Abrhmyan brought attention to a legislative initiative developed by the Ministry of Environment, following the research conducted by the ICARE Foundation on fish companies. This initiative mandates fish breeding companies to install secondary water treatment facilities, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable water management.
Subsequent discussions touched upon waste management and separation initiatives, noting ongoing efforts to address plastic recycling, with plans to introduce a 10-segment waste separation system.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude from Ministry of Environment representatives and participants towards the project team for their enlightening presentations. Ms. Harutyunyan extended an invitation to the National Conference of the project, signaling a continued interest in these crucial discussions.
The incorporation of real-world business cases from Armenia by the RECP team underscores a significant trend toward embracing RECP measures. This movement towards sustainability and innovation reflects a broader commitment among Armenian companies to blend environmental stewardship with economic prosperity, paving the way for a more sustainable and innovative future․
