Climate change, soil erosion, and unsustainable agricultural practices are among today’s most pressing global challenges. Modern agriculture often relies heavily on chemical fertilizers and intensive land use, leading to declining soil fertility, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and long-term disruption of ecosystems. One effective solution in this area is the implementation of a circular agricultural model based on biochar. Biochar is produced through the thermal decomposition of organic waste via pyrolysis, transforming materials that would otherwise release carbon dioxide and methane during burning or decomposition into a stable carbon- rich substance. The application of biochar improves the physicochemical properties of soil, enhances water retention, and makes nutrients more accessible to plants and soil organisms. It also stimulates microbial activity and contributes to increased soil fertility. This approach demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can complement one another, creating resilient systems with long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Today, humanity is facing a range of global challenges, including water scarcity, rising energy consumption, food security, and the management of organic waste. These issues demand a transition towards sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible food production systems. The circular eco-aquaponic system offers an integrated solution to these challenges within a single model. At its core is an aquaponic greenhouse structure, where aquaculture and plant cultivation exist in a complementary symbiotic relationship. Waste generated by fish serves as a natural nutrient source for plants, while the plants act as biological filters, purifying the water before it is returned to the tanks. This approach to food production is widely recognized for its efficient use of water resources. A key innovation of the system is its energy self-sufficiency, achieved by storing solar energy in the form of thermal and potential energy. The model also incorporates the complete recycling of biological waste, creating a highly efficient and circular ecosystem.

Environmental pollution and the depletion of natural resources are among the greatest challenges facing humanity today. Traditional wastewater treatment systems are highly energy-intensive and require substantial financial investment. One of the most promising eco- innovative solutions is the use of algae-based wastewater treatment technologies. These systems require fewer chemical inputs and, through photosynthesis, also contribute to carbon dioxide absorption. What makes this approach especially valuable is that the recovered materials are not wasted. The algae biomass produced during wastewater treatment, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, can be recycled and used as biofertilizer. This supports the development of a circular economy model, where waste is transformed into valuable resources. It demonstrates that eco-innovations can simultaneously generate environmental, economic, and financial value for society.

My professional interest in solar energy began back in 2018, when I was studying in Germany. Witnessing the real impact of the energy transition there inspired me to bring that culture and vision to Armenia. Today, with more than 6.5 years of experience and my own company, I focus on implementing premium-class, high-efficiency solar solutions in our country. For me, this is not just a business — it’s a mission to promote sustainable, reliable, and high-quality energy solutions. I believe the future lies not simply in installing solar panels, but in integrating Smart ESS and energy storage technologies. I also see tremendous potential in BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics), where construction materials themselves become energy-generating elements, as well as in the application of AI for system monitoring and early fault detection. As an entrepreneur, I am constantly searching for solutions and technologies that make environmentally responsible energy both practical and economically advantageous.

The course was interesting from both theoretical and practical standpoints. I had an opportunity to see the generating capacities of the thermal power station and compare that with the hydropower plant. This comparison is particularly important from the environmental impact assessment viewpoint. This course is going to be very useful for my future career. In a sense, it is a unique opportunity for the beginners of the field to build up their knowledge and skills. I would certainly suggest everyone take advantage of this unique opportunity offered by the Executive Coaching and Training Institute.

For me, personally, it was very interesting, because I have already studied similar models back in my university years, but still, if I look back it is really hard to remember all the formulas and their implementation in real-life situations. However, the presentations of various case studies or otherwise called, experiments during the training made it much easier to remember and recap the economic, social, and environmental models and their real-life applications.

The presentation started in an unexpected, but meanwhile, in a really interesting and entertaining way, immediately capturing everyone’s full attention. We were offered to play a fishing game, aimed at demonstrating the internal and external factors influencing individual and group behaviour. This game vividly demonstrated the gaps in the neoclassical economic model, which assumes that the choices of individuals are always rational. Through different models of econometric analyses, and detailed evaluations of utility maximization and human preferences Dr Lorenzo Lotti explained how the assumption of perfect rationality doesn’t apply flawlessly to the real world.

The training was about intervention toolkits and popular techniques used to influence or navigate the human decision-making processes. From this part of the presentation, I was particularly interested in the case study of Opower, which explained the application of the social comparison theory in the case Home Energy Report letters. This was very useful information, and I even shared this idea with my company’s top management, hoping that they might consider implementing it in our business operations, encouraging customers to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

I consider very interesting the mix of participants from different companies. Regarding the quality of the training I should say that it's pretty high. I would definitely recommend ECTI courses to all the people who are eager to achieve both career and personal development. I have received more than enough support and I'm glad I made the choice and chose the ECTI.

The thing that I liked in this ECTI course was the networking with the participants and the trainers. You could make a lot of friends here and meet people who you would be able to contact in your professional life in the future. We went to different companies, so it was a great experience for me. I have also gained qualifications and my prospects for the future are looking good. I have no regrets whatsoever and as a specialist it has given me valuable knowledge.

Tsaghkadzor is an absolutely fantastic place to study. So far, my experience has been challenging, learning again after years away from education, yet it has been so fulfilling. I’ve learned a lot of things during this period. I have found my ECTI course very interesting and informative. The staff are very helpful and support the participants to achieve their full potential.

My overall experience has been fantastic so far! The trainers are very supportive and polite. I had an opportunity to both study and make a lot of friends from different areas, learn lots of their experience. Studying has become easier due to the positive environment. Really gone above and beyond! I highly recommend ECTI the ones who want to become more confident, intelligent and observant.