Bringing a sweater to the office to keep warm will no longer be needed this month for employees at the United Nations Headquarters. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon implemented “Cool UN” for the month of August and ordered thermostats to sit at 77°. Ban Ki-moon’s plan is an attempt to lower energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Staff and delegations are encouraged to wear lighter clothing during this period.
Below is a letter to the UN staff from the Secretary General:
“As you are well aware, the summer is getting very hot. Inside our offices, the air conditioners are working at full power, consuming a lot of energy, and producing related greenhouse gas emissions.
I have, therefore, decided to take this opportunity to promote practical actions within the UN Headquarters that will result in reduced emissions and in increased awareness of staff and of UN Missions in New York of climate change. I am herewith announcing a “Cool UN” for the month of August during which UN Building Management will turn up the thermostats from 72 to 77°F in our offices and from 70 to 75°F in the conference rooms. During the weekends, the air conditioning systems will be switched off completely.
During this time, I am encouraging a more relaxed dress code on the premises, encouraging staff and delegations to wear lighter clothing suitable for a business setting (e.g., without ties for men), including your national dress – for those coming from warmer climates. Let us have some fun – while at the same time we make a contribution to reducing global emissions. For now, the “Cool UN” will be a trial, lasting throughout the month of August. Depending on the experience, I plan to extend it by applying a similar, but opposite initiative in the winter, allowing us to turn down the thermostats by five degrees Fahrenheit.
I expect that the “Cool UN” campaign will not only save energy and result in reduced emissions, but will also offer staff the opportunity to lead by example, complementing our daily work in the global fight against climate change.
I trust this campaign will constitute a step in this direction and can encourage Member States and the UN staff to take further initiatives to contribute to this global undertaking. Therefore, I would like to seize this opportunity to invite all staff members – at Headquarters and in other duty stations – to collectively explore initiatives and put forward innovative ideas and proposals to further efforts to be a model Organization in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and our environmental footprint. I look forward to your ideas and initiatives in this regard.”
Ban Ki-moon