The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has launched a new Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy that aims to reduce the Organization’s total Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) by 45 percent by 2030.
The strategy focuses on improving the sustainability of daily operations. This includes the introduction of energy efficiency measures in facilities, and updating travel policies to reduce travel-related emissions. It also includes improving water use and recycling schemes.
In his opening address at the launch of the event today, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted several activities that destroy the planet. He cited the loss of biodiversity, rising sea levels, ecosystem degradation, and climate change as some examples. Consequently, the FAO Director-General said “it is clear that the time for action is now”.
“FAO has decided to play its part and respond by developing an ambitious action plan to reduce emissions and foster the internal sustainability of its operations and programs”.
Meanwhile, Mr. QU added that the new Strategy “marks a turning point” for FAO. According to him, “it is an opportunity to lead by good example and show reverence to nature”. This, he said, is “allowing FAO to ‘continue to walk the talk’“.
The new Strategy will promote the use of renewables whilst avoiding the use of diesel generators. It also aims at increasing waste separation and improving recycling schemes. Moreover, it will help in phasing out single-use plastics, and encouraging flexible working practices to reduce commuting.
Progress made so far
FAO has had a Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy in place for its operations and facilities since 2016. This makes FAO one of the first UN entities to do so. FAO headquarters and main regional and country offices have made great efforts to improve environmental sustainability. According to FAO, these efforts have started showing solid trend of reduction in emissions.
Furthermore, FAO stated that it has installed Solar energy systems at headquarters and the FAO Regional Office for Africa in Accra, Ghana. There are also Solar energy systems at FAO country offices in Djibouti, Mauritania, Nepal, and Uganda. All the travel- and building-related carbon dioxide emissions have been offset since 2014.
Also, it is phasing out plastic at the headquarters and the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, Thailand. FAO projects must undergo mandatory environmental and social screening before approval.
Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions
Since 2008, FAO projects have led to a cumulative reduction of over 27 million kg of carbon dioxide equivalent. This has also led to a cumulative savings of over USD 4 million.
However, up until now, there have been separate environmental sustainability processes for facilities and operations, and for FAO programs and projects. As such, the new Strategy will boost environmental sustainability throughout the Organization’s entire program of work. FAO said it is targeting all projects and offices across the world.
Call for action to FAO staff
In the launch of the new strategy, the Director-General issued a global call for action to all FAO employees. The call is encouraging them to think innovatively on how to make a difference through their actions, either in the office or at home.
“It is imperative that we enact meaningful changes in behavior and mind-sets throughout the Organization to reach the ambitious goal”.
Participants in the virtual event included FAO employees from around the world, Deputy Directors-General Laurent Thomas and Maria Helena Semedo. Also, FAO Regional Representatives and colleagues from headquarters offices that develop the Strategy attended the event.
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