Leading by example: The European Union Delegation to Nepal is going GREEN

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As a diplomatic mission, the EU Delegation to Nepal recognises the important role it can play in leading by example on the path towards climate neutrality.

A Green Committee made up of six staff members kicked off in January 2022, with the mandate to measure the EU Delegation carbon footprint, to reduce it and to offset it. Since then, the Delegation has implemented a series of green initiatives to walk the talk with the aim to become a climate neutral Delegation.

Green practices were set up in the office and promoted among staff members such as waste segregation, composting, use of biodegradable cleaning products, no single-use plastic, battery collection, reuse of paper.  Check the list below to know more and get inspired!

In 2023, the Delegation launched an Energy Audit, which provided several recommendations to reduce further the environmental impact of office activities. Moreover, the Energy Audit Report included the calculation of the office carbon footprint related to year 2022. A tree plantation offsetting initiative is now in planning phase to compensate the 2022 office environmental impact.

Looking outwards, the EU Delegation to Nepal implemented green public diplomacy activities to promote environmental awareness. In partnership with the local organisation Clean up Nepal, the EU to Nepal organised the ‘10 Weeks clean-up campaign in Shivapuri National Park’ (October – December 2022) during which 3405 citizens collected and segregated 481.25 kg of waste. The EU supported also the 'Zero Waste at School' programme, which reached around 100 students.  On the Europe Day 2023, the EU Delegation hosted the first edition of the ‘EU Green Award in Nepal 2023’ aimed to recognise the greening efforts of the EU partners.  Finally yet importantly, the EU to Nepal asked its partners to engage in avoiding using single plastic bottles during events and a dialogue has started with the hotel industry to promote greener facilities for eco-friendly events.

By implementing this series of sustainable initiatives, the EU Delegation to Nepal is showing that "small changes can make a big difference" and that environmental stewardship is an achievable goal. Let's all follow their lead and take action to protect our planet for future generations.

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Do you need further support for Greening EU Partnerships? Please contact: INTPA-GREENING-FACILITY@ec.europa.eu

Do you want to reach out to colleagues in Nepal? Please contact: PINEIDER Veronica (EEAS-KATHMANDU) Veronica.PINEIDER@eeas.europa.eu