On January 22, 2026, the Kick-off Meeting of the initiative titled “Energy Efficiency (EE) Awareness and Practical Capacities at Local Level” was held at the GIZ Yerevan Office.

The initiative is being implemented by Avenue Consulting Group in collaboration with Zenith Academy, with the support of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It falls under the framework of the SE4Resilience project, which aims to promote sustainable energy for climate-resilient municipal development in Armenia. The SE4Resilience project is jointly financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ) and the European Union.

The meeting convened key institutional representatives and project leaders, including Karen Martirosyan Ph.D., Director of Avenue Consulting Group; Lilit Sargsyan, Senior Project Manager; Hasmik Sargsyan, Executive Director of Zénith Académie; Hrant Ter-Gabrielyan, Team Leader and Technical Energy Efficiency Expert; Zepyur Siradeghyan, Logistics Specialist; and Smbat Avetyan, Training & Participation Specialist. Olga Weigel, Sector Coordinator for Climate and Energy, Just Transition, was also present. During the meeting, Lilit Sargsyan presented the project concept, objectives, and implementation strategy.

The meeting also involved SE4Resilience project advisors Kalle Wulf, Arsen Hayiryan, Aghasi Mnatsyan, Siranush Galstyan, and Varazdat Sargsyan. Additionally, online and field advisors supporting regional implementation were present.

The initiative will be implemented in Gyumri, Ijevan, Gavar, and Kapan, focusing on the following areas:
▪️ Development of energy efficiency self-assessment criteria and practical guidance materials;
▪️ Capacity-building trainings for local construction professionals, architects, and media;
▪️ Public awareness events and exhibitions engaging local communities;
▪️ Promotion of energy-efficient solutions and financing options for residential and public buildings.