The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) North America Office was established in Washington, D.C. in 2000. Our mission is to support UNEP’s work around the world by fostering cooperation and building partnerships between North American stakeholders and the broader international community to address pressing environmental issues.
Through collaboration with the U.S. and Canadian governments, civil society, the private sector, and academic and scientific communities, our North America Office seeks to promote the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda in a way that protects and restores the quality of the natural environment, improves the livelihoods of people, and broadens the prospects for future generations. We work to:
- Inform and engage national and subnational governments in our work in the region;
- Develop new strategic partnerships and advance technological, intellectual, and financial resources;
- Work with the private sector to increase participation by North American institutions in UNEP’s industry-specific initiatives and programs;
- Encourage North American-based civil society to take an active role in UNEP’s policy processes and overall activities;
- Convene dialogues between diverse stakeholders to generate progress on regional agendas; and,
- Inspire individuals to take action on key environmental challenges through public outreach campaigns and initiatives.
The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) is hosted by UNEP and is based at the North America Office. The STAP is an advisory body to The Global Environment Facility and provides objective and strategic scientific and technical advice on policies, operational strategies, programs, and projects and maintains a database of institutions, networks, and individual scientists to provide the necessary expertise and advice.
Leading By Example
The UN Environment Programme's (UNEP) North America Office is the first United Nations entity to obtain LEED Gold Certification. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Developed by the United States Green Building Council, it provides a suite of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.
Our commitment to sustainability through the use of environmentally-friendly building practices and sustainable, recyclable, and energy efficient construction products is evident throughout our eco-office.
Office Location
To reduce environmental impact from employees' commute, the first environmentally responsible step for UNEP's North America Office was to pick an office close to a Metro station and numerous bus lines. Placing an office in an existing structure is preferable to building on an undeveloped ("greenfield") site. Being near public transportation increases the likelihood that employees will choose environmentally preferable commuting options. The office space contains a shower, which allows our staff to run and bike to work and gives weary overseas travelers an opportunity to freshen up for a right-off-the-plane meeting. The tiles in the shower area are composed of 55% recycled glass.
How Did We Do It?
The success in our LEED Gold certification is a reflection of the collaboration taken to make this a reality. UNEP's North America Office worked closely with landlords, architects, contractors, real estate agents and building management companies to create an energy efficient, healthy, environmentally sound and sustainable office.
Around the Office
Our office boasts low-emitting adhesives and paints and individual lighting and thermal controls. But even more so, from floor to ceiling, our office is filled with recycled-content and locally manufactured materials and wood from certified, renewable sources. Here are some examples of green materials:
- Ceiling with recycled content
- Carpet with recycled content
- Doors with Forest Stewardship Council certification
- Sustainable bamboo trim and flooring
- Flooring made from recycled plastic bottles
- Alkemi countertops made from post-industrial scrap
- Bio-composite desks made from compressed wheat
