LocationsUNDP India sets regional benchmark in sustainability under UNDP's Greening Moonshot initiative, pioneers low-carbon, renewable energy solutions.
48% Energy Cut, 100% Commitment: UNDP India Leads the Way in Green Operations
June 10, 2025
UNDP India is setting the standard for sustainability in the Asia-Pacific region. Under the UNDP Greening Moonshot initiative - a bold effort to reduce the environmental footprint of UNDP operations worldwide - the office has reduced its energy use by 48% since 2017—ranking #1 in the region for carbon reductions. From solar rooftops and energy-smart buildings to electric vehicles and zero-waste practices, the office isn’t just talking about climate action, it’s living it.
Powering Progress with the Sun
High above the bustle of daily operations, a 174 kWp solar photovoltaic plant works quietly on the rooftop, generating clean energy that now powers much of the office. From lighting and appliances to air conditioning systems, the sun fuels the workday to help UNDP India drastically reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and align operations with its climate goals.
Solar Photovoltaic power plant on the rooftop of the UN House, New Delhi, India.
Rethinking Energy from the Ground Up
Sustainability at UNDP India is not about quick fixes. It’s about long-term thinking. The office has embraced a suite of strategic retrofits that touch every part of the building.
New energy-efficient chillers and HVAC systems keep things cool while consuming significantly less power. Advanced air handling units and modulating valves fine-tune airflow, ensuring every watt is used wisely.
Upgraded chillers, AHUs, FCUs, and modulating valves work together to enhance cooling performance and significantly reduce energy consumption.
Heat-reflective tiles, XPS insulation, and double-glazed windows cut heat gain by over 40%, reducing cooling needs and boosting indoor comfort. Smart LED lighting, guided by motion sensors, turns off when not needed. This eliminates waste, one switch at a time.
Double-glazed windows around the office building help keep interiors cooler by reducing heat gain and lowering energy use.
Cleaner Air, Smarter Systems
In a city where air quality is a daily concern, UNDP India has invested in air filtration systems that safeguard staff health while enhancing efficiency. Real-time energy monitoring allows the team to track usage and make data-driven decisions - whether adjusting HVAC settings or charging electric vehicles more effectively.
An Energy Monitoring System provides real-time insights into energy use, supporting more efficient EV charging.
Driving Change, One Electric Mile at a Time
Mobility at the office is going electric. A small but growing fleet of four electric and one hybrid vehicle now supports daily operations, powered directly by the rooftop solar carport. By cutting emissions at the source and embracing renewable energy, the office is showing what a clean transport transition can look like in practice. This shift means the vehicles no longer contribute to the problem of air pollution in the city, complementing the building’s efforts to filter incoming pollutants by also reducing our contribution to the challenge at its source.
Driving change: Accelerating the transition to cleaner transport with electric vehicles.
Building a Circular Workplace
The commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy and into how the office handles waste. Electronic waste is recycled responsibly, organic waste is repurposed, and even discarded paper is given new life as notepads and office supplies.
HEPA-filtered hand dryers have replaced paper towels, and the team is planning new dispensers made from 100% recycled materials. Every move is a step toward closing the loop and minimizing environmental impact.
Paper waste is collected and recycled into new office supplies such as photocopy paper and notepads.
Water Wise, Climate Smart
Water conservation is also woven into the strategy. A rainwater harvesting system now captures and recharges half of the annual rainfall. Meanwhile, upgraded cooling towers help reduce both water and energy consumption. The office is projecting a 15% cut in groundwater use and a 5% drop in electricity needs.
Smart Buildings, Smarter Operations
The journey is far from over. UNDP India is investing in a new Building Management System that will automate energy optimization, improve HVAC efficiency, and enable predictive maintenance—unlocking even more savings and smoother operations. An ongoing energy audit will further pinpoint ways to raise the bar on performance.
Waste is separated at the source, ensuring efficient recycling and minimizing what ends up in landfills.
Travel Light, Think Big
Acknowledging the carbon footprint of travel, a new Green Travel Policy now encourages smarter choices: bundling official trips, embracing virtual meetings, and choosing low-emission transportation options wherever possible.
“Through these collective efforts under the Greening Moonshot initiative, UNDP India is not just advocating sustainability. It is living it. From solar-powered operations and electric mobility to responsible waste and water practices, we are turning ambition into action, and operations into inspiration,” says Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India
By embedding climate action into every corner of its operations, UNDP India is proving that change doesn’t just come from policy or projects. Change begins in the everyday decisions of how we work. This is more than a green office, it’s a blueprint for sustainable transformation from the inside out.
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