ESCAP Joins “Cool UN” Programme

1 August 2008: UN Secretary-General wore a casual outfit to kick off the “Cool UN” scheme, which seeks to curb the organization’s greenhouse gas emissions, limit the use of air conditioning and save money for the UN. The UN Economic Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP) premises in Bangkok, Thailand, which houses over a dozen of the Organization’s entities, also joined the “Cool UN” scheme.

Like the Secretariat in New York, the temperature in the Bangkok building was risen and staff came to work in lighter clothing. “Cool UN” is just one of several schemes ESCAP is involved in to slash energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2002, it has cut back electricity consumption by 16 per cent yearly by replacing old and inefficient appliances such as power transformers, elevators, air conditioners, lights and pumps. ESCAP also utilizes pilot solar panels and wind turbines, and water usage has been reduced by 30 per cent every year through new higher-efficiency water closets and using recycled water for the main gardens. [UN press release, 1 August 2008]

Related story: UN to Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Month of August