Do you have any examples to share? by UNSSC Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development

2025-04-24 14:16:05 UTC

From the communications area we have the opportunity to tell the story of what we are doing at UNOPS and how we impact people's lives. Raising awareness and showing that there are actions to be taken is a way of contributing to the management of TCP. For example, the story of the indigenous communities in Salta, Argentina, was a project that we knew little about at the organizational level, but with the sensitive eye of the communications teams we were able to tell a story beyond the infrastructure we built, ensuring in the process of documenting the story, absolute respect for the people, their customs and their environment.From the communications area we have the opportunity to tell the story of what we are doing at UNOPS and how we impact people's lives. Raising awareness and showing that there are actions to be taken is a way of contributing to the management of TCP. For example, the story of the indigenous communities in Salta, Argentina, was a project that we knew little about at the organizational level, but with the sensitive eye of the communications teams we were able to tell a story beyond the infrastructure we built, ensuring in the process of documenting the story, absolute respect for the people, their customs and their environment.

gautamradha2009 — 2025-05-04 06:31:42 UTC

The link between sustainability and resilience in supply chains is strong and increasingly recognized as essential for long-term operational and environmental success

MONICA SILES Ambulances in Ecuador were procured focusing in sustaible procurement standards

2025-05-26 01:43:41 UTC

The project emphasized environmental sustainability, procuring ambulances with more stringent emissions standards and recycling packaging waste to minimize ecological footprint.

Housing and road project (S. A.)

2025-05-26 04:50:51 UTC

In housing projects, we can include actions from the design stage, considering minimal impact through tree and vegetation removal, sustainable housing with the implementation of rainwater harvesting for domestic use, solar energy with photocells, wastewater management to prevent soil and groundwater contamination, waste management during the construction phase, compensation for felled trees with reforestation plans that involve beneficiaries and the community, and eco-friendly materials. On roads, we can consider wildlife crossings, runoff management, erosion prevention measures, and green pavements, among others.

Sustainable procurement

2025-05-28 16:14:20 UTC

We are consolidating our DRIVE programme in Honduras, engaging with private sector associations. We expect to evolve to a more environmental-driven approach, including the TPC awareness and actions.

Viviendas resilientes para comunidades indígenas de Nicaragua

2025-06-16 06:55:40 UTC

En el marco de la respuesta de emergencia a los Huracanes Eta y Iota, UNOPS desarrolló e implementa un proyecto para construir 147 viviendas resilientes compatibles con las costumbres indígenas en la localidad de Haulover, costa Caribe de Nicaragua, pero a la vez orientadas a resistir Huracanes de gran calibre, utilizando materiales locales y habiendo realizados procesos de consultas previas, libres e informadas con las comunidades indígenas para atender sus necesidades y asegurar mejoras de adaptación.

Ricardo Ahumada

2025-06-22 22:51:22 UTC

We are builders of what has been "classified and nominated" as challenges; showing successful cases is an excellent way to start. However, what it boils down to is about implementing adequately a common way of approaching thinking and putting together our firm beliefs, experiences and knowledge to manage innovative TPC solutions

Leticia Scofield Miglio

2025-06-23 21:38:21 UTC

I see clear opportunities to address the Triple Planetary Crisis through the projects I currently manage—particularly those involving renewable energy systems in healthcare infrastructure.

In Haiti, I’ve been leading a World Bank–funded initiative to install hybrid solar systems in public hospitals. This directly contributes to climate change mitigation by replacing diesel generators with solar energy, reducing up to 641 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. We also implemented energy efficiency measures, such as replacing AC units and lighting, which significantly lowered the energy demand and enhanced the effectiveness of renewable integration.

Regarding pollution, the project reduces air and noise pollution generated by fossil fuel combustion—improving not only the carbon footprint but also the health environment for patients and medical staff. We also ensured proper disposal of replaced equipment and batteries through environmentally sound procurement and end-of-life policies.

As for biodiversity, while the link is more indirect, our site assessments included safeguards to avoid ecological disruption. Moving forward, I see potential to deepen this dimension—for example, by integrating land-use planning and water conservation into future infrastructure packages, especially for rural health or municipal services.

Elisabet Viñes

2025-07-07 00:12:05 UTC

In 2024, UNOPS and the Quito Public Passenger Transport Company modernized the city's aging fleet with 60 new, 100% electric trolleybuses for its 1.2 million monthly users. This project became a powerful engine for environmental and social progress by embedding sustainability into the procurement process.

Our approach targeted the Triple Planetary Crisis by:

Climate Action: Cutting 8,640 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
Fighting Pollution: Reducing urban noise by mandating a maximum vehicle noise limit of 70 dB.
Averting Waste & Nature Loss: Implementing a circular economy model where the supplier is contractually obligated to manage the final disposal of batteries at no cost to the city.

Key lessons from this project include:

Prioritize Long-Term Value: Focus on lifecycle costs and maintenance over short-term price to secure more resilient and cost-effective solutions.
Embed Social Value: Mandate features for accessibility and require suppliers to have a corporate gender equity policy to create a safer environment for all.
Drive Innovation: Use early and thorough market studies to set realistic timelines and introduce cutting-edge technology.
Demonstrate Public Value: Use clear metrics to prove success. Our results showed fleet availability surging from 81% to 96% and reliability skyrocketing from 54% to 95%.

This project is a replicable, high-impact model of sustainable procurement that builds partner trust and strengthens institutional capacity. It demonstrates that our work can and should actively contribute to solving the planet's most pressing challenges.