The United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) announced today that its Global Service Centre (GSC) has been awarded the ISO 14001:2015 certification on environmental management. This certification signifies that GSC operations in Brindisi, Italy and Valencia, Spain meet the leading global standard on environment.

ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed standard that outlines the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS) to help organizations improve their environmental performance in areas such as waste management, resource consumption and vendor engagement. While originally devised for use in the private sector, the system is also widely used in the public one.

The impetus for achieving ISO 14001 certification is grounded in a 2013 commitment by the UN System Chief Executives Board (CEB) to develop and implement “environmental sustainability management systems in each organization, through a gradual, voluntary and flexible process […] focusing on low-investment and high-return initiatives.” 

“Environment is a top priority for DFS. The achievement of GSC shows that with commitment and drive it is possible to ensure responsible impact in our global operations. I have set out a course to bring all of our field operations to a high standard of performance over the coming years” said Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Atul Khare. 

Ambassador Inigo Lambertini of the Permanent Mission of Italy to the UN stated, “We are delighted by the recent certification of GSC for the ISO 14001:2015 environmental standard. This notable accomplishment in our historic city of Brindisi is highly welcomed, and we are committed to supporting the capacity building of GSC as a centre of excellence.” 

The lessons learned in acquiring ISO certification will be adapted and applied widely across all field missions, as part of the implementation of the 2009 DPKO/DFS Environmental Policy for UN Field Missions. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the lead coordinator on EMS within the UN System and a core DFS partner through a multi-year partnership agreement, will continue to advise and provide technical assistance in improving the environmental performance of peace operations.