28 February 2011: The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has announced it will manage the construction of a UN Regional Hub in Panama City, Panama. The Regional Hub aims to be one of the greenest buildings in Latin America.

The building will house over 700 UN staff members from at least 14 UN organizations and cost US$38 million. Construction of the building is expected to take four years.

UN agencies and the Government of Panama have been working together to ensure that the future Hub has the lowest possible carbon footprint possible and fosters a culture of environmental sustainability. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) provided technical and financial support during the design process, incorporating sustainability standards, principles and practices. The new Hub aims to be carbon neutral, energy positive and water self-sufficient.

Features planned for the Hub include: solar power; energy efficient elevators and windows; automated systems to regulate temperature, security and lighting; rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable water; and an ecological sewage treatment system producing waste water for irrigation. [UN Press Release]