DRAFT
CONCEPT NOTE
PROMOTION OF SUSTAINABLE FACILITIES IN THE UN
BACKGROUND
Recently there were decisions by the HLCM and the UN CEB to implement an Environment
Management System for the UN. UNEP is expected to lead this and UNEPs connection with
other agencies will continue to be through the Environment Management Group (EMG).
As part of this, UNEP needs to report on progress in this field on behalf of the EMG at HLCM
meetings and UNEP is responsible for updating the relevant section of the results framework of
the HLCM strategic plan.
HLCM has suggested that as the project leader UNEP should (in consultation with the relevant
networks) bring forward to HLCM, project proposals related to the implementation of the result
framework, in particular point B3b.c. : Develop joint initiatives possibly focused on facilities
management and procurement, with measurable indicators. By 2013-2014. More details of the
HLCM Results Framework is given in Annex 1
At the moment there is no possibility to have projects funded by HLCM, but HLCM Secretariat is
preparing for the fundrasing of the strategic plan for donors. So concept notes for projects need to
be prepared and submitted to the HLCM secretariat so they can be included ASAP in these
plans.
Preference would be given for to those responding to the GA resolution 67/226 on the
Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review of operational activities for development of the United
Nations system (QCPR) and to high impact projects, especially involving common UN premises.
OBJECTIVES

Harmonisation and integration of environmental, health and safety (EHS) procedures and
practices in UN internal operations

Build capacity of the UN system to implement EHS principles in business practices
This proposal on sustainable facilities responds to the QCPR. In para 15 of the QCPR, it echoes
the Rio+20 outcome document “The future we want”, and calls on the UN system to “improve the
management of facilities and operations, by taking into account sustainable development
practices, building on existing efforts and promoting cost effectiveness in accordance with
legislative frameworks while maintaining accountability”.
OUTPUTS
The following outputs are expected by the end of this project:
1. Integration of EHS issues in UN internal operations1. The following issues will be addressed
o
1
Green Leasing
This would involve assessments, development of a common framework (which is agreed among all UN
agencies and stakeholders) and integration of the framework in the policy and contract documents of
various UN entities. Links will also be made with other relevant networks, such as the HLCM Procurement
Network
o
Sustainable Construction principles
o
Health and Safety Protocols in construction
o
Benchmarking of UN facilities for EHS performance
2. EHS Reporting
o
Guidelines for common reporting on key EHS issues, including Environmental (GHG
emissions, energy, waste, water, performance of Environment Management
Systems), Health and Safety issues (to be developed)
o
A common reporting and planning tool for the UN system that could

report Environmental (GHG emissions, energy consumption, waste
generation, and water consumption) , Health and Safety indicators (to be
developed)

help identify the best and cost effective options for EHS improvements

quantify improvements(reductions) in EHS issues

quantify cost benefits from EHS improvements

integrate with the ERP systems in the UN
3. Development of introductory online training courses on:
o
Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Sustainable Facilities/Buildings
o
Energy, Environmental, Health and Safety assessments/audits
BUDGET
To be kept within 400 to 500,000 USD
TIME FRAME
3 years (2014-2016)
PARTNERS
INFM members , UNEP SUN, FIDIC¨
ANNEX 1
SUSTAINABILITY RELATED SECTION IN THE HLCM RESULTS FRAMEWORK
B.3. Modernized Management of UN Operations

B.3.b. Improved environmental sustainability of UN operations.
a) Carbon Footprint tracking established. By 2013
b) Organizations to work on premises, travel etc. to reach climate neutrality based on
guidance, approach and indicators as per Strategic Plan for Sustainability Management
in the UN System. By 2015
c) Develop joint initiatives possibly focused on facilities management and procurement, with
measurable indicators. By 2013-2014