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The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets and its General Partner VivaCell-MTS summed up the outcomes of a joint project implemented in Berdavan community of Tavush region. Within the framework of the joint “Alternative Energy” Project a solar heating system was installed in the kindergarten of the village, which is 1 km away from the border, according to the press service of VivaCell-MTS.

The event was attended by VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, founder of FPWC Ruben Khachatryan, head of Berdavan community Ararat Gabrielyan, and the community residents.

“The use of solar energy has so many advantages that it wouldn’t be wise not to use this clean and everlasting source. The installation of a solar heater in the kindergarten will not only reduce expenses on electric energy, but will also have educational impact: from little age the children will understand the importance of having a responsible attitude towards nature, searching for optimal variants for solving problems, will learn about the efficiency of using most advanced and innovative technologies” VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

With approximately 3.600 inhabitants Berdavan community’s kindergarten houses more than 100 children. Since the 90s' the kindergarten has been heated by wood stoves, which were not only costly and inefficient, but also very dangerous for children. This year the kindergarten has got a heating system, which is providing sustainable warmth, but is quite expensive and not compatible to existing economic situation.

The solar water heaters implemented in the kindergarten within the framework of this project are energy-efficient and environmentally justifiable means of heating. This system will reduce heating costs by 50-60% in winter and hot water will be provided during the whole year due the solar heaters. The heating system existing in the kindergarten will be used in minimal heating only in winter at night time, in order to protect the system from getting damaged by the cold.

About the “Alternative Energy” Project

The Alternative Energy project aims to reduce pollution and protect the environment by using alternative energy resources, particularly solar thermal systems and LED street lights. This year the project is being implemented in a number of communities in Aragatsotn, Tavush, Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik regions. As Armenia has a good potential for solar energy, investments in alternative and energy-efficient technologies can significantly benefit to the solution of environmental and social issues. The project is a new format of the long-term cooperation between the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and VivaCell-MTS in the field of environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources.