Last week, the United Nations in Nepal took a huge step forwards, towards a future of clean energy, with the installation of a solar-energy system at the UN House in the nation's capital, Kathmandu. The new system, comprising of 426 photovoltaic (pv) panels and a 204-kilowatt hour (kWh) lithium battery, was unveiled on World Environment Day by Ms. Pippa Bradford (Acting Interim UN Resident Coordinator and Country Representative of WFP) and Mr. Nawaraj Dhakal (Director of Alternative Energy Promotion Centre) as well as the heads of the UN agencies based in Nepal. The new solar panel system at UN House in Kathmandu, Nepal  The idea to install solar panels at UN House originated in 2016 and was brought to fruition by UNDP, WHO, FAO and UNICEF ‚Äì each of which has staff based at the facility in Nepal ‚under the guidance of the Green Energy Solutions team at UNDP Denmark. UN staff at UN House in Kathmandu, Nepal on World Environment Day 2018, celebrating the installation of their new solar panels.The solar panels are expected to produce around 196,000 kWh annually, which is roughly the amount of electricity consumed by 1,410 Nepali citizens each year. By powering the office's computers, LED-lights, printers and server-room equipment, they anticipate that they will save USD 26,000 on electricity bills each year.

In terms of CO2 equivalent emissions, they expect to reduce their annual emissions by 52 tons of CO2et, which equates to the carbon footprint of 260 Nepali citizens.By switching to solar and encouraging staff to use energy more efficiently, the UN in Nepal is practicing what we preach, say Ms. Bradford at the inauguration earlier this week.This is our commitment to sustainable energy, and we hope to inspire organizations and individuals to take action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create a renewable energy future.The production of clean energy is an integral part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is a key component in the movement to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.This development also represents progress in the UN's mission to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and facilities and their commitment to climate action. For the full story, please visit the UN Nepal website.