The International Bureau, aware that actions speak louder than words, today unveiled a raft of measures that will help to confirm its commitment to sustainable development.
In addition to providing the secretariat for the UPU's Sustainable Development Project Group, and liaising with member countries on green issues, the International Bureau is keen to set an example by greening up its own operations.
While the social protection offered to staff members has been improved in recent years, gender equality and training remain priority areas for the organization's human resources.
In the logistical area, the lighting throughout the building has been replaced, and motion sensors installed, with expected energy savings of 70%. Paper and office supplies are either recycled or FSC-certified; returned international reply coupons are sent to be pulped into paper towels. A videoconferencing project is being developed, with the ultimate aim of reducing the need for long-haul travel to the International Bureau.
The UPU is involved in SUN – the Sustainable United Nations Programme – led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which encourages UN agencies, funds and programmes to step up their efforts to become climate-neutral.
Another concrete measure is the IB's current use of a UNEP self-diagnosis tool to calculate its carbon footprint, which includes the impact of employees' business trips and commuting.
Lastly, 2010 will see the launch of work to renovate the façade of the International Bureau building. This project aims to slash energy bills by 58% – and save the organization 100,000 Swiss francs a year.