21 February 2011: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced that the 26th Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GC 26/GMEF), taking place from 21-24 February 2011, in Nairobi, Kenya, is being convened as a “green meeting.” The initiative contributes to the UN Secretary-General’s Greening the Blue initiative.

According to UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, the meeting aims “to reduce the amount of paper used during the meeting by 90% from 2009 levels.” Other initiatives include the provision of water dispensers to reduce reliance on bottled water. Steiner also spotlighted the new offices of UNEP and UN-Habitat, which he explained are “energy neutral – powered by solar panels on the roof and incorporating features such as low energy computers and natural ventilation systems.” [UN Press release] [UNEP Press Release]