Women training in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning

Results

UNDP has provided technical support to more than 100 countries to green the supply chains of various industries and products to eliminate harmful chemicals, reduce plastic and waste pollution, and promote sustainable cooling and circular economy solutions. Projects have resulted in safer handling and disposal of hazardous waste, reduction of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mercury, ozone depleting substances (ODS), and greenhouse gases, expanded recycling and recovery capacity, greener jobs, and stronger governance frameworks aligned with global conventions and national climate and development targets.

In collaboration with partners, UNDP has enabled countries to implement effective solutions with a focus on zero waste and circular economy to advance the sound management of chemicals and waste across multiple sectors. UNDP has also facilitated the adoption of ozone and climate friendly technologies, infrastructure, and networks, and promoted cooling efficiency. The results of this support include:

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Portfolio

UNDP’s Montreal Protocol portfolio assists nearly 110 countries in adopting sustainable cooling technologies with low global warming potential and high energy efficiency, supported by USD 1.1 billion in cumulative grant funding from the Multilateral Fund. The current portfolio includes support for 53 countries in implementing approved Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phaseout Management Plans, valued at USD 455 million, and 34 countries in phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through Kigali Implementation Plans, valued at USD 36 million.

UNDP’s Chemicals and Waste portfolio assists over 80 countries in eliminating toxic chemicals and advancing a zero-waste agenda with USD 662 million in cumulative grant funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This is achieved through enhanced governance, strategic public-private partnerships, material circularity, and the promotion of innovative business models at both national and city levels.  The portfolio spans various economic sectors including textiles, construction, electronic equipment and waste, tourism, agriculture  and plastics packaging in the food and beverage sector.