7 March 2011: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has provided details on its new green building at UN headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, which are part of the UN Greening the Blue Initiative.

The new buildings house the headquarters of both UNEP and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), and are a central pillar of the UN’s broader goal of reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The four buildings, which can accommodate 1,200 staff, feature solar panels on the roof spaces, automated low-energy lighting illuminating work-spaces, and energy efficient computers. Rainwater is also collected to supply the fountains and ponds, sewage is treated in an aeration system and recycled for irrigation, and water saving lavatories are been installed. To mark the inauguration of the buildings, UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON) have released a report titled “Building for the Future: A United Nations Showcase in Nairobi.” [UN Press Release] [Publication: Building for the Future: A United Nations Showcase in Nairobi]