Without a positive change towards climate neutrality, climate change will continue to affect all of the areas in which the UN operates: from healthcare, aid and water to economic activity, humanitarian assistance, peace-building and security concerns.
The United Nations Environment Management Group (EMG) is chaired by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and made up of the specialized agencies, programmes and organs of the UN and the secretariats of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements. It works to identify issues on the international environmental agenda that warrant cooperation, including climate neutrality in the UN. The Sustainable United Nations (SUN) initiative is hosted by UNEP and aims to support UN and other organizations to achieve climate neutrality by providing advisory services and support at three levels: physical assets (building, equipment, vehicles, etc.), management processes (procurement, travel, management systems, etc.) and organizational culture. Strategic Heritage Plan for the Palais des Nations
This plan is in development to address infrastructure challenges which are threatening not only the heritage and functionality of the Palais but also contributing to excessive energy consumption.
Solar Energy
UNOG has installed 60 square metres of solar panels for the production of hot sanitary water in buildings A, B, C, D, K and S. With the support of Green Cross International, 20 solar lamps have been installed in the Ariana Park.
Alternative Lawnmowers
Since the construction of the Palais des Nations, sheep have been put out to graze in the Ariana Park for 2-3 weeks each year, reducing the use of lawn mowers and the fuel required to run them.
Organic Fertilizers
UNOG gardeners are working to produce green fertilizers out of organic waste to use on the Palais gardens.
Alternative Transport
UNOG is encouraging alternative forms of transport and has now installed 233 parking spaces for bicycles and 37 showers, making it easier for you to ride to work or come on foot.
Energy-efficient Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting and motion sensors have been installed throughout the Palais helping to contribute to a total reduction in energy consumption of 10,625,758 kilowatt-hours between 2000 and 2007.
Water Efficiency
The replacement of pipes and flushing units, as well as double-flush toilet systems, has helped to reduce water consumption by 710,885 m3 between 2000 and 2007.
Geneva Lake Project
As part of its contract with the Services Industriels de Genève (SIG), pipes have been installed to bring water up from Lake Geneva to cool the Palais as well as other buildings in the international quarter of Geneva. The energy generated is 100% renewable.
The work of the UNOG Central Support Services is essential in reducing UNOG’s environmental impact but the responsibility ultimately lies at an individual level. Changing our organizational culture and day-to-day office practices are essential steps in our collective efforts to achieve climate neutrality.
MOST POPULAR IN LAST 24 HRS
MOST POPULAR IN LAST 7 DAYS
|
