15 June 2009: In light of the success of the “Cool UN” initiative implemented during the summer of 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced that the programme will resume at UN Headquarters in New York, US, beginning on 15 June 2009 and continuing for a period of three months.

At the UN complex, the thermostat will be raised from 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit in offices and from 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the established conference rooms. The initiative is aimed at reducing emissions, increasing awareness among staff, and allowing the UN to lead by example in the global fight against climate change. Since 2008, similar programmes have been adopted by other UN offices as well. [UN Highlights of the Noon Briefing]