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As part of the activities on Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) under the EU4Environment Action funded by the European Union, UNIDO organized a national conference on promoting resource efficiency among enterprises in Armenia on 8 May 2024.
Meeting objectives
This conference aimed to showcase the achievements and lessons learned from Armenia’s RECP initiatives, demonstrating the significant strides made in integrating sustainable practices across various industries.
The goal of the conference was to present the results of the RECP activities, outline innovative solutions recommended and implemented within EU4 Environment Action in Armenia. Real-world business cases from Armenia were showcased, demonstrating how RECP principles were actively enhancing sustainability and fostering innovation in industries such as food/agriculture, construction materials, and chemical production (including metal and plastic production), energy and water solutions and technical approaches tested within pilot projects.
These initiatives go beyond merely reducing environmental impact; they focus on improving operational efficiency, cutting costs, and enhancing market competitiveness. Armenian companies, through the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices, are illustrating the synergy between environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.
Participants
This event gathered key stakeholders from Armenia’s government, including the Ministries of Environment, Economy, and Territorial Development and Infrastructures, SMEs, RECP Green Club Members, expert community, academia and organizations focused on green and circular economy agenda introduction in the country.
Background
Armenia is transforming its industries by adopting Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP), leading to more sustainable and forward-thinking practices. This initiative highlights Armenia’s commitment to both environmental care and economic growth, setting a path toward a greener future. By integrating RECP principles, the country is moving towards a circular economy where resources are used more efficiently. Since 2013, this approach has already benefited around 100 businesses, particularly SMEs, by improving energy and material use, reducing waste, and considering the wider impact on the environment, economy, and society.
Specific case studies from Armenian enterprises implemented within RECP activities taking place under the EU-funded EU4Environment 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.
For more information, please contact Ms. Tatiana Chernyavskaya, UNIDO Project Manager: T.CHERNYAVSKAYA@unido.org.
Presentation slides:
RECP legacy as a stepping stone for a circular economy (Johannes Fresner, UNIDO)
RECP activities in Armenia (Nune Harutyunyan, RECP national coordinator)
Green solutions for sustainable business in Armenia (Dshkhuhi Sahakyan and Tigran Sekoyan)
RECP solutions: Case of diary company Erpin (Armen Bodoyan, RECP Expert)
Promoting eco-labelling in Armenia: First results (Lesya Nikolayeva, UNEP)
Waste and recycling in textile companies (Lilit Apujanyan, RECP expert)