Developed in consultation with experts from industry, academia, government, international organizations and NGO’s, the Green and Sustainable Chemistry: Framework Manual provides a high-level overview of various scientific, technical and policy aspects of green and sustainable chemistry.
The Framework Manual was developed in response to UNEA resolution 4/8. The resolution, adopted by member states in 2019, recognizes the value of developing a better understanding of sustainable chemistry opportunities. It requested UNEP to synthesisze its analysis of best practices into manuals on green and sustainable chemistry. The Manual builds on the 2019 UNEP report Analysis of Stakeholder Submissions on Sustainable Chemistry Pursuant to UNEA Resolution 2/7 and the GCO-II.
The first part of the Manual addresses the questions of “Why” is green and sustainable chemistry needed and “What” does it aim to achieve. “How” to achieve a transformation to green and sustainable chemistry is then explored through an overview of enabling tools and measures (e.g. green and sustainable chemistry education). The final chapter of the Manual calls on stakeholders to develop green and sustainable chemistry road maps. The UNEP webpage on practical guidance for strategic action to advance green and sustainable chemistry aims to help stakeholders in answering this call.
Chapter 3 of the Framework Manual contains the 10 Objectives and Guiding Considerations for Green and Sustainable Chemistry. Developed through a global consensus building process, the 10 Objectives highlights the outcomes which green and sustainable chemistry action can achieve.
The overall intention of the Framework manual is to foster learning and scaling-up action to advance the Ten Objectives - Unveiling the full potential of chemistry such that it is compatible with, and supports, the implementation of the 2030 sustainable development agenda.
For more information on UNEP's activities on green and sustainable chemistry click here.
