Sustainable Operations | United Nations Development Programme

UNDP

Accountability

UNDP's Greening Moonshot

Committing to 50% carbon footprint reduction by 2030

UNDP is committed to being green, sustainable, and just. To stay within a 1.5°C increase in global warming – which is needed to avoid catastrophic impact of climate change – greenhouse gas emissions must halve by 2030 and be reduced to net-zero by 2050. We lead on climate action by example. In 2019, UNDP adopted the ‘Greening Moonshot’, committing the Organization to reduce its operational carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Today, every US$1 invested in green energy in UNDP offices delivers US$3 in energy savings.

Stories

Artificial Intelligence

Person with headset sits at desk, laptop displaying a video conference; backpack in background.

How UNDP is advancing sustainable use of Artificial Intelligence

By encouraging conscious use to minimize AI’s hidden environmental cost

Latin America & the Caribbean

Group of diverse people posing for a photo at a workshop, holding colorful signs.

UNDP Panama shows how green operations can reduce costs and build trust

By combining staff action, sustainable design, and digital systems

Asia & the Pacific

Three bowls of salad on a dark table: cucumber, potato, and tomato with utensils.

UNDP Seoul Policy Centre is rethinking the way we meet

By reducing travel emissions, waste, and modeling climate-smart choices at every stage of event planning

Asia & the Pacific

Photograph of a gray SUV parked on a city street with trees and buildings.

UNDP Bangladesh expands electric fleet, drives forward greener operations

By adding a second electric vehicle to its fleet and cutting carbon across all operations

Data

Data for climate action: How UNDP is empowering carbon-smart travel decisions through a carbon tracking app

By turning raw flight data into actionable intelligence

Asia & the Pacific

Blue, green, and red trash bins on a sidewalk; a woman walks by.

UNDP India cuts energy use by 48%, sets new standard in green operations

By pioneering low-carbon infrastructure and renewable energy to lead regional sustainability under the Greening Moonshot

Africa

Photograph of a parking lot with a large covered area, cars, and distant hills.

UNDP Burundi at the forefront of clean operations

By demonstrating how sustainable infrastructure can support climate resilience, enhance staff safety, and free up resources.

Arab States

A covered parking area with solar panels on a metal frame in an urban area.

Fully solar powered: UNDP Yemen office goes 100% green!

By harnessing renewable energy, UNDP Yemen is proving that sustainability is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Africa

Group of diverse adults posing behind a seated woman in orange; yellow wall, blue curtains, map.

UNDP Guinea-Bissau boosts energy efficiency and expands solar solutions

By enhancing operations and cutting reliance on fossil fuels through innovation and resilience

Africa

Four workers in hard hats and reflective vests inspect rooftop solar panels against a cityscape.

Bridging the energy gap in UNDP Mauritania

By implementing reliable energy solutions

Africa

Man in dark clothes exits a white-and-green electric car.

UNDP Tanzania embraces solar energy and eco-friendly transport

By driving change with electric vehicles and using railway services.

Europe & Central Asia

Two white electrical control boxes mounted on a wall with metal pipes beneath.

UNDP Moldova is driving change by using green transportation

By inspiring the country we serve by reducing the footprint of our operation

Europe & Central Asia

Row of blue solar panels on a rooftop, arranged in a grid.

UNDP Bosnia & Herzegovina embraces solar energy

By reducing carbon emissions, the office takes a step closer to sustainability.

Latin America & the Caribbean

Striped building; solar panels; woman in green dress at a doorway; man in blue shirt; server racks.

Greening UNDP Haiti - Utilizing green energy for stable operations in unstable conditions

By transforming operations in a city grappling with blackouts and crises.

Europe & Central Asia

UNDP Tajikistan reduces emissions by 43% with eco-friendly practices

By integrating climate awareness and efficiency into daily operations

Resources

Explainer

Infographic on Sustainable AI practices with globe, people, and 'Why it matters?' section.

Sustainable AI Practices

Guidance for UNDP staff to reduce the environmental footprint of our use of AI tools to ensure its maximum value for both people and the planet.

Partner

Graphic banner for Greening the Blue with circular green rings and a city skyline.

Greening the Blue

Greening the Blue monitors and reports on the UN system's environmental footprint and the efforts to reduce it.

Explainer

Black-and-white cartoon of a diverse group standing in a row, with a central speaker.

Greening the Blue Tutorial

Designed for UN personnel to provide training on environmental sustainability at the UN system.