The United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Environmental Management System (EMS) is a comprehensive, systematic, cyclical, planned, and documented framework that enables the organization to monitor, manage, and continually improve its environmental performance. The EMS provides UNEP with a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and reducing the environmental impacts associated with its global operations, while strengthening accountability and sustainability across the organization.
Environmental sustainability is a continuous journey that requires ongoing innovation, learning, and improvement. UNEP became climate neutral in 2008, marking a major milestone in aligning its operations with its environmental mandate and demonstrating leadership within the United Nations system. The year 2010 was adopted as the baseline for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions monitoring and reporting. Since then, UNEP has achieved a 35 per cent reduction in GHG emissions (2025), reflecting sustained efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of its operations.
The first EMS cycle (2015–2019) focused on establishing core environmental management practices across UNEP operations and embedding sustainability into organizational processes. During this phase, UNEP prioritized the management and monitoring of key environmental aspects, including:
- Greenhouse gas emissions
- Energy use and management
- Waste generation and management
- Water use and management
- Staff awareness and engagement
In 2020, UNEP transitioned into its second EMS cycle, introducing significant governance and operational enhancements. These included the adoption of the UN Secretariat Environmental Sustainability Policy, the establishment of a high-level EMS Steering Group to strengthen oversight and accountability, and the expansion of the EMS scope to support broader organizational sustainability objectives.
In 2022, UNEP strengthened staff awareness and accountability by making the Greening the Blue (GtB) Tutorial mandatory for all personnel. This initiative enhanced organization-wide understanding of sustainability responsibilities and promoted environmentally responsible workplace practices.
Several important frameworks, systems, and tools were developed in 2023 to strengthen UNEP’s environmental governance and performance monitoring. These included:
- A revised Environmental Management System (EMS) Manual
- An EMS Risk Management Framework
- EMS Internal Audit processes
The year 2024 marked significant policy, governance, and digital advancements within UNEP’s sustainability programme. Key achievements included:
- Adoption of a new Environmental Sustainability Policy
- Development of the EnviroData application to strengthen environmental inventory management and reporting
- Enhancement of the Air Travel Emissions Dashboard to improve emissions tracking and analysis
- Achievement of the “Meets EMS Criteria” milestone under the UN environmental sustainability framework
In 2024, UNEP also established the Nairobi Sustainability Clinics, creating a collaborative platform for knowledge sharing and engagement with other UN agencies and partners on sustainability initiatives and best practices.
Key initiatives launched in 2025 include:
- The EnviroGrant Scheme, which provides funding support to UNEP duty stations for sustainability initiatives and environmental improvement projects
- Divisional and regional office-level emissions reduction targets
- Continued support to UNEP-administered Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in strengthening their EMS frameworks and sustainability practices
Today, UNEP’s EMS continues to evolve in line with international good practices and organizational priorities. The system supports continuous environmental improvement, resource efficiency, climate action, and evidence-based sustainability decision-making across UNEP’s global operations. Through its EMS, UNEP remains committed to demonstrating environmental leadership within the United Nations system and advancing the objectives of the Greening the Blue initiative.
If you wish to contribute, email your suggestions to Taurai Mtetwa (taura.mtetwa@un.org) , and we will try to turn them into actions in our action plans!
UNEP Environmental Sustainability Policy
UNEP Environmental Sustainability Policy provides the overarching framework for integrating environmental sustainability into UNEP’s global operations, facilities, and decision-making processes. The latest policy revision was approved by UNEP’s Senior Management Team and signed by the Executive Director in June 2024.
The policy builds on UNEP’s leadership role as the leading global environmental authority within the UN system and reinforces UNEP’s commitment to “walk the talk” by continuously improving its own environmental performance and promoting a culture of sustainability
The revised policy updated the 2015 Environmental Policy Statement for EMS establishment and reflects significant developments in environmental sustainability management since 2015, including the endorsement of the UN System 2020–2030 Strategy for Environmental Sustainability Management by the Chief Executives Board (CEB).
The policy aligns with:
- UN Secretariat Environmental Policy (ST/SGB/2019/7)
- The UN System 2020–2030 Strategy for Environmental Sustainability Management
- The UN Secretariat Climate Action Plan (UNSCAP) 2020–2030
- Other UN sustainability commitments and frameworks.
The policy is guided by five core principles:
- Reducing climate impact
- Stewardship of the environment and efficiency in resource use
- Monitoring and reporting environmental sustainability performance
- Continuous improvement of UNEP’s environmental performance
- Leading by example and creating awareness to improve environmental performance
The policy applies to all UNEP duty stations, facilities, operations, and UNEP-administered MEAs globally. It focuses on key environmental aspects and impacts, including:
- Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Air travel and transportation emissions
- Energy use and renewable energy
- Water consumption and wastewater management
- Waste generation and disposal
- Air pollution
- Biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable procurement
- Sustainable events and facilities management
- Staff awareness and participation.
Key environmental objectives
UNEP commits to:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Increasing renewable energy use
- Conserving natural resources
- Improving energy and water efficiency
- Reducing waste and increasing recycling
- Managing chemicals responsibly
- Protecting biodiversity
- Monitoring environmental performance
- Encouraging innovation and good environmental practices
- Enhancing staff awareness, training, and participation.
