FAO Jordan paves the way to a greener future

Amman -The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) inaugurated its new solar-energy system at its premises in Jordan. With its launch, the system is expected to enhance business continuity and reduce the climate impacts of FAO Jordan, all while decreasing energy costs and promoting sustainable development in the region.

Amongst the distinguished guests in attendance, the launch ceremony included the participation of H.E Dr. Muawieh Radaideh, Minister of Environment, H.E Ms. Amani Al Azzam, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director General (ADG) and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, and Rodrigo de Lapuerta, Director of Logistics Services Division, CSL. Further attendees included the Corporate Environmental Responsibility and FAO Jordan teams, as well as colleagues from the UNDP Green Energy Team, whose constant support was invaluable to the realization of this project.

In line with FAO’s Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy (CER) 2020-2030, the CER team of CSLI, the FAO Jordan office, and the UNDP Green Energy Team pave the way towards a low carbon FAO with this 13kWp grid-tied solar PV system installation. The system will be able to cover approximately 50% of the office’s electricity consumption and save approximately 11 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year.

H.E Dr. Muawieh Radaideh, Minister of Environment, stated “Today's celebration goes beyond installing a solar energy system to having supporters to deliver the message that energy efficiency is key.”

H.E Ms. Amani Al Azzam, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources congratulated and valued the commitment of FAO Jordan towards a green future.

“FAO Jordan is one of the first FAO Offices in the region that turned to solar energy to power its operations with the installation of a Solar PV system, in a remarkable effort to curb its carbon footprint.”  said Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director General (ADG) and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa.

FAO’s Representative in Jordan, Eng. Nabil Assaf, said “With energy efficiency initiatives that will increase the sustainability of our facilities, FAO Jordan is paving the way towards the 45% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target, as stipulated by the FAO Corporate Environmental Responsibility Strategy 2020-2030.” he added “Today we are taking action to lower our greenhouse gas emissions to ensure a viable future for us and the generations to come.”

Rodrigo de Lapuerta, Director of Logistics Services Division, said “This system is the product of a lot of hard work and collaboration between the FAO Jordan office and UNDP and FAO teams. The principles that have defined this project, namely teamwork, determination, a passion for environmental issues, are the foundations that FAO use to walk the talk, and will be the crucial drivers for the attainment of the SDGs, as well as the fight against climate change.”

Switching to renewable energy has strong environmental incentives, namely saving CO2 emissions, effectively reducing the carbon footprint and burden on the environment. This supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, while also promoting green energy solutions and inspiring local communities to adopt similar solutions