1 April 2011: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a report titled “Moving Towards a Climate Neutral UN,” which details the greenhouse gas emissions for 52 UN institutions. The report states that the UN’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for 2009 was 1.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

According to the report, the GHG inventory includes emissions from all activities that are under the direct financial control of the UN, including the heating and cooling of buildings and the travel of staff. Over 50% of the UN’s emissions are derived from air travel, approximately 37% of emissions are from buildings, and 13% from vehicles.

The report also provides an update on the progress of the UN’s Climate Neutral Strategy, which requires UN bodies to estimate their GHG emissions, undertake efforts to reduce them and analyze the cost implications of purchasing carbon offsets.

The report also features highlights of the UN’s “greening” efforts under the Greening the Blue campaign. [UNEP Press release] [UN Greening the Blue Press release]