Keeping Commitments and the Future in Focus: UNOPS marks World Environment Day in Uzbekistan

This year, UNOPS is actively participating in marking this important day by showcasing its commitment to environmental preservation through various initiatives and projects in Uzbekistan. 

Through the assessment mission commenced within the project to enhance Uzbekistan’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics by equipping and refurbishing the national laboratory system, UNOPS not only aimed to gather valuable insights but also utilized this opportunity to showcase their actions aligned with environmental protection. This article highlights the initiatives undertaken by UNOPS in Uzbekistan, demonstrating their commitment to creating a greener future.

Sustainable Lab Design for a Greener Future

In the concept stage of projects, UNOPS places great importance on sustainable lab design, which forms the foundation for future developments. By embracing eco-friendly concepts, UNOPS reduces the carbon footprint of lab facilities: renewable energy sources such as solar panels result in reduced energy usage and emissions; low-energy lighting and energy-efficient lab equipment further contribute to a sustainable approach without compromising performance. Furthermore, UNOPS ensures healthy indoor air quality by incorporating natural ventilation systems, minimizing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning.

‘Intelligent building automation’ systems play a crucial role in optimizing energy usage by regulating temperature, lighting, and ventilation based on occupancy, without compromising the labs' functionality. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also inspires others to adopt similar measures, fostering a more sustainable and efficient environment for lab staff.

In addition, recognizing the global water shortage crisis, UNOPS has been actively advocating for water conservation solutions, including low-flow faucets, greywater systems (redirecting wastewater), and rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage.

Procurement with Sustainability in Mind

The procurement aspect of the mission aligns with UNOPS' commitment to sustainable procurement. UNOPS considers environmental factors when selecting medical equipment for the laboratories. This includes assessing the energy efficiency of the equipment, the materials used, and the disposal methods. UNOPS also prioritizes suppliers that provide sustainable and environmentally friendly products. 

In addition, to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency in the intervention, UNOPS recommends a comprehensive procurement process that extends beyond transactional activities. By including related services focused on enhancing the sustainability of projects, optimizing financial resources, and improving local capacities, UNOPS aims to maximize the positive impact on the environment and the community. These services encompass protocols for entry, installation, commissioning, training, and reception of procured technology, fostering a holistic approach to sustainable development.

UNOPS also promotes the use of sustainable materials in its procurement activities, such as sustainable material selection, utilizing recycled or repurposed materials with a low carbon footprint, which further contributes to eco-conscious lab design. Therefore, UNOPS encourages suppliers to provide information on the environmental attributes of their products, such as certifications for sustainable sourcing or eco-labels.

Balancing Safety and Sustainability: Single use Labware 

Aligning with our commitment towards sustainability and environmental protection, UNOPS recommends the transition from reusable labware to single use alternatives. This shift may not appear sustainable at first glance, however, manual reprocessing of reusable labware demands planning, conscious execution, and diligent risk control to ensure the well-being of personnel throughout the entire process. It entails a series of steps, including initial cleaning, neutralization, rinsing, disinfection, and sterilization, which, unfortunately, consumes significant amounts of water and chemicals and generates a substantial environmental footprint. In addition, it puts the safety of personnel at risk. By embracing single-use labware, laboratories can significantly reduce their chemical and water consumption that minimize environmental impact, and safeguard the well-being of personnel. Therefore, UNOPS emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions during the feasibility study, considering the balance between contamination risks and environmental protection.

By incorporating environmentally friendly measures, such as promoting efficient water usage, advocating for sustainable labware choices, prioritizing green procurement, and embracing sustainable lab design, UNOPS demonstrates not only its dedication to the protection of the environment but also paves the way for a greener future, where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. And today, marking World Environment Day, UNOPS reaffirms its dedication to protecting the environment through its initiatives in Uzbekistan.