A total of 34 residential buildings were partially retrofitted, and 2 were fully retrofitted as part of the “Strengthen Community Resilience through Energy Efficiency and Low-Emission Development” project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and implemented by UNDP. The total co-funding from UNDP and Sida amounted to approximately USD 182,233. These energy-saving improvements have enhanced living conditions for 3,148 people and resulted in an annual saving of around USD 95,000 (1,653 MWh/year).

Kristine Shambaryan, a mother of three, now lives in a thermally insulated building at 1/21 Sarahart Street in the Alaverdi district. The building has been covered with 10 cm of non-flammable polystyrene insulation, the roof has been repaired, and new windows and entrance doors have been installed, making the apartments in this 9-story building warm and comfortable. Neighbors jokingly refer to it as an “elite building.” Kristine’s 7-year-old daughter, Inesa, even compares the colorful exterior to a Christmas tree.

Kristine’s heating costs have been halved. With the savings, she can now buy clothes or school supplies for her three children, aged 15, 13, and 7. Previously, only one room was heated, but now the entire apartment stays warm. Kristine also notes that heating is often unnecessary on the upper floors.

Since the full energy retrofitting, the market value of apartments in the building has risen, and two apartments have recently been sold.