Key statistics

• The UN conducted its first system-wide greenhouse gas inventory in 2009

• In 2008, the UN emitted 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent - more than the total emissions of the Republic of the Congo*

• In 2008 work-related emissions per United Nations staff member** were 8.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, the same as those of a citizen of Gabon***

• Air travel accounted for 48% of the United Nations total greenhouse gas emissionsin 2008

• Five five UN system organizations were carbon-neutral in 2008****

• In 2010 all United Nations organizations will develop emission reduction plans

• The renovation of the United Nations Headquarters in New York will result in a 50% reduction in total energy use, a 45% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 40% reduction in water consumption
   
• On 1st June 2009 Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support (DFS) published an 'Environmental Policy for UN Field Missions', designed to “integrate environmental measures into its planning and operations to avoid and minimize the impact of activities carried out by the mission and its staff”.

_{* Source: Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Centre (CDIAS) for the United Nations. Figures represent emissions for 2006.
** The UN employs 206,954 staff. Of these, 114,206 are peacekeepers
*** Source: World Resources Institute
**** These are: GEF Secretariat, SBC, SCBD, UNEP and the World Bank Group}