UN'S ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL ARM TURNS UP THE HEAT

UN'S ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL ARM TURNS UP THE HEAT New York, Aug 1 2008 10:00AM The main United Nations premises in Bangkok, which houses over a dozen of the Organization's entities, will be joining the New York Secretariat to roll out the "Cool UN" scheme being launched today to slash the world body's own emissions.

Earlier this week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the three-pronged initiative which seeks to limit the use of air conditioning, slash greenhouse gas emissions and save money.

"We have succeeded in moving climate change to the top of the international agenda for action, and this means that the UN must take action itself," he said.

He also encouraged both personnel and delegates to dress less formally, including by having men leave their ties off.

Noeleen Heyzer, the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), decided to extend "Cool UN" to the Bangkok offices.

Like the Secretariat in New York which is raising the thermostats by five degrees from 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in most parts of the landmark building, ESCAP turned up the temperature by 2 degrees Celsius. Most of its staff members also came to work today in lighter clothing, including national dress.

"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's service also has 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.
2008-08-01 00:00:00.000

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