The pilot project on resource efficiency and cleaner production in for SMEs Armenia was piloted in 2013-2017 within the framework of the EU funded “Greening Economies in the Eastern Neighborhood” EaP Green “Resource efficiency and clean production” Demonstration project (RECP) implemented by UNIDO and with the local support of Regional Environmental Centre for Caucasus Armenia National Office.
For industrial development projects implementation, RECP uses tested preventive environmental approaches: improved efficiency of resources (reduced production costs and materials, energy and water consumption), reduced environmental impact (less waste products and pollution), improved professional and social health and protection.
The main objective of the RECP pilot project was to improve resource efficiency and cleaner production among business companies and SMEs working in particular in agricultural/food, chemical and construction materials production. RECP aims to improve SMEs' environmental performance and resource efficiency, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial development, employment and income growth. The current cycle of RECP in Armenia is actively working with 55 SMEs in the regions through advancing RECP methodology and practices through the provision of free RECP services and audits, conducting RECP audits and elaborating tailor-made solutions’ packages for each SME or business company.
The government of the Republic of Armenia was largely supporting the idea of green economic development for SMEs and support RECP strategies and activities.
Some dry fruit production, electric battery producers, construction, food, chemical, tourism development companies received and employed RECP recommendations from the RECP team, and are currently improving and increasing their production, decreasing their energy costs, using renewable energy sources and cleaner production methods and techniques, and as a result, have a chance to suggest more clean and competitive produce to the market and customers as a result of the assistance of RECP team.
RECP enables SMEs with an easy to read guidance for using resource efficient and clean methodologies and practices in the business sector, where each producer can benefit from the reduction of production costs and finding innovative technological solutions; increase in labor productivity, improvement in product quality; reduction of costs associated with waste production and pollution; improvement of production conditions, reduction of energy and material losses, better housekeeping and management practices improving environmental compliance of the business sector.
As a result of the Project implementation:
Number of companies which took part in the project through assessments, clubs, events: 12 SMEs involved in First National Conference,
- 33 SMEs involved in 4 Green Clubs,
- 28 SMEs provided with RECP Rapid Audits,
- 24 Experts RECP, 22 SMEs Audits/Assessments,
- 37 SMEs from 3 regions involved in 6 Forums, (240 participants),
- 14 SMEs involved in the Final RECP National Conference.
Number of workshops/events organized and participants
- Green Club modules in 4 city’s 47 participants,
- GCAC 50 participants,
- 2 Webinars 30 participants,
- Educational modules 35 participants,
- Awareness Seminar in Ararat 54 participants,
- Awareness Seminar in Dilijan 23 participants,
- Expert’s trainings for 24 participants,
- Equipment trainings for 29 participants.
During yy.2015-2017, using the RECP methodologies, 55 pilot SMEs in targeted areas have been consulted by RECP project experts to improve the efficiency of SMEs activities and have provided relevant recommendations, elaborating 55 RECP Business cases and Rapid Assessments for Armenian SMEs in food, chemical, construction material production, as well as tourism, jewelry and carpet production, and other industries.
RECP measures recommended
- SMEs assessed within the frames of the Green club component implemented recommendations in 60% of the food industry, 18 % in construction, and 25 % in chemical production enterprises.
- Feasibility studies of RECP advanced assessments in five demonstration companies were conducted in close partnership with SMEs’ management resulting in individual business plans submitted to SMEs for prospective business investment projects.
- Information on current RECP activities, services and products is regularly provided to project stakeholders and assured via monthly briefs of the EaP GREEN focal point, news, updates of the RECP national website, and social networks (see www.recp.am and www.rec-caucasus.am for details).
- Relevant government, business, civil society actors and local SME representatives took part in events and activities of the RECP demonstration component, including RECP Forums, clubs and other national events.
- A detailed set of recommendations from RECP Forums in a format of RECP Primer for Armenia) has been prepared based on the feedback of stakeholders representing industries, decision-makers, experts, CSOs and academic institutions.
- RECP audits could also include energy audits, (observing the material and the efficient use of water) so it can use the existing experience and jointly develop capabilities
- “Green” certificates can be viewed as a motivational tool for SMEs, and should be developed on the basis of standards promoted by RECP, as well as adopted and implemented by the private sector and SMEs specifically.
- Green certification could also be an incentive for the promotion of green policies, favorable cooperation mechanisms between the private sector and banks which should be supported by the government.
- Develop and demonstrate experimental RECP pilots to duplicate RECP business model for small businesses
- Installing “Green filters” for SMEs as a tool for cleaner production
- Develop and promote Resource efficiency in the field of agriculture and within farmer cooperatives to demonstrate benefits of RECP in food processing, waste management or re-use of existing by-products for innovative product delivery, serving as an additional income for farmers.
The project has suggested relevant solutions for SMEs to reduce emissions and pollution through demonstration of CO2 reduction and RECP:
- Introduction of energy efficiency measures in different SMEs, Reducing costs on electricity and improving emission control,
- Reduction of emissions and the introduction of environmentally friendly, chemical-free solutions in dry fruit production (Lukashin co-operative),
- Introduction of solar energy sources in fruit production,
- Reduction of CO2 in preserve production through steam generation,
- Recycling and reuse of wastewater resulting in saving water resources for companies, Installation of carbon and/or UV filters which will permit save 90% of water loss and reuse water at least for technical purposes.
