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UNEP unveils master plan to reduce its carbon footprint.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced on Monday its ambitious new strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and pave the way towards a zero emissions future.
UNEP headquaters in Nairobi, Kenya
UNEP will introduce a wide range of efficiency measures for all its global operations from reducing international air travel to cutting electricity and paper use in its offices.
In the next two years, the agency is committing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 3%.
A key target area is work-related travel by UNEP employees. At present, air travel is responsible for over 85% of UNEP's carbon emissions. There will be less air travel and more e-conferences.
The agency will also introduce a "green meetings" policy. All conferences, events and meetings will have to adhere to a Green Meeting Guide, which outlines ways to reduce waste, energy use and water consumption at such events.
UNEP has been climate neutral since 2008, but the new efficiency measures in the Climate Neutral Strategy will enable UNEP to lead by example.
In addition, implementing the efficiency measures could save the organization an estimated US$800,000 per year.
[More details can be found at www.greeningtheblue.org]
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations Radio
(duration: 1'15")
