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MOVING TOWARDS A CLIMATE NEUTRAL UN
2. GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY FOR 2008
Establishing an inventory of GHG emissions from the various activities and operations is the first step towards reducing these emissions. The in- ventory allows the institution to identify the main emission sources and to take targeted action to reduce these emissions and also obtain effi- ciency gains.
Many UN agencies collected their GHG data for the first time in 2008, whereas some have been preparing inventories since 2004. It is the first time that a coor- dinated approach for a UN-wide GHG inventory with a common methodology has been implemented. The use of a common boundary and methodology ensures that data can be aggregated and compared across all UN system organizations.
This exercise has been a difficult but successful process that resulted in real number baseline GHG inventories crucial for moving towards climate neutrality. Since this was the first time most organizations have prepared a GHG inven- tory, data gaps, estimates and the use of proxies could not be avoided. However, the exercise has been a useful learn- ing experience which will improve practices and make data collection more efficient and easier in the future.
UN system methodology and tools
The calculation of GHG emissions is based on the GHG Protocol of the World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council on Sustainable Develop- ment (WBCSD), which is compatible with the new ISO 14’064 standard for GHG accounting. It is the most widely used international accounting tool for govern- ment and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage GHG emissions and draws upon inter- nationally recognized methodologies for calculating GHG emissions from buildings and transport. The goal is to provide a credible and transparent approach to quantifying and reporting GHG emissions reductions.
UN Greenhouse Gas Calculator The UN Greenhouse Gas Calculator estimates GHG emissions resulting from building-related emissions and travel by road and rail. It provides the methodol- ogy and suggests emission factors for calculating GHG emissions from official vehicles, buses, trains, taxis,
self-generated power, refrigerants, purchased heat and steam, and electricity. The calculator was developed, pro- grammed and designed by the United Nations Depart- ment of Field Support/Information and Communications Technology Division (DFS/ICTD) with input from the WRI, which provided emission factors and internationally rec- ognized methodologies. Contributions were also made by staff from over a dozen organizations across the UN system who have pooled their expertise, skills and know- how in the service of the organization as a whole.
The tool is specially designed for the UN agencies, funds and programmes to facilitate the preparation of their baseline GHG inventories. It aims to ensure that the in- ventories of the UN organizations are consistent, com- parable with one another, transparent and based on the best available information sources.