Help WCC-3 become more climate friendly!

leaf The organizers of WCC-3 are aware of the need to reduce its carbon footprint in the combat against the adverse effects of climate change. Carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced through efficiency and conservation in the use of electricity, paper, supplies, travel and the daily behaviour of staff and participants.

In October 2007, the United Nations Secretary-General launched the “greening of the UN” initiative, which includes moving the UN system towards climate neutrality. The Environmental Management Group developed a “strategy for a climate-neutral UN” which aims to make all UN agencies, funds and programmes climate-neutral.

Already during the planning stage of the Conference, WMO adopted a green strategy, which includes the use of electronic means for communication (announcements and flyers sent via e-mail, Web, video- and teleconferencing, online mailing list, online registration). It will also be possible to participate in the Conference from your home, office or Internet café via Facebook, Twitter and Webcasting.

By choosing an easy-to-reach conference location, WMO encourages the use of public transport and sustainable transportation options such as bicycles. WMO also promotes videoconferencing as a means to participate remotely in certain cases. WMO chooses to provide and disseminate conference material electronically. A limited number of handouts are printed on environmentally friendly paper. Recycling services are provided at the Conference site. Participants are encouraged to dress according to the season, in order to keep energy consumption through air-conditioning at a minimum. The WMO green meeting strategy also includes the selection of food/goods suppliers taking into account environmental concerns.

Making WCC-3 a climate-friendly event is just one part of good environmental practice which is a foundation stone of WMO’s policies in its mandated fields of weather, climate and water.

You, as participants, both in Geneva and sometimes as e-participants at home or at work can help in various ways.

Reduce your carbon emissions and offset the unavoidable emissions

By far the largest environmental impact of international conferences is related to greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from air travel. WMO encourages the use of public means of transport (favouring environment-friendly ones). You will be able to learn more about your carbon footprint while at the Conference. We strongly encourage every participant to offset his or her carbon emissions.
WMO visitors’ information

Use public transport

leaf Geneva has a reliable and well-connected public transportation system. We encourage participants to make use of public transportation instead of taking a taxi or a car to the hotel or the conference centre.

Upon your arrival at Geneva International Airport you can obtain a free ticket for public transport from the ticket machine in the baggage collection area. At your hotel you can ask for the free “Geneva Transport Card” that allows you to use all public transport in Geneva free of charge during your stay.

The following lines have stops near the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG):
- Bus 5 Stop Nations or Varembé
- Bus 8 Stop Nations
- Bus 11 Stop Nations
- Tram 13 and 15 Stop: Nations
- Tram 22 Stop: Nations

Conference venue

The Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG) adheres to the new environmental protection policies. Regular maintenance of the building avoids the waste of energy and water and the centre encourages recycling of glass, aluminium, plastic and paper.

Electricity

Do you need to turn on the light? Do you need the light that is already on?
Don’t forget to turn the light off when you leave the room.
Do you really need to use the lift? If you can, take the stairs.
Not using your computer for a while? Turn it off: it is a myth that turning off your computer consumes more electricity than keeping it running.
Do you really need to print out that document? Consult it online (html or pdf); take a few notes. Turn the printer off while it is not in use; don’t leave it on standby.

Supplies

For several years now, WMO has recycled paper and cardboard. Recycling bins are placed in all offices. Similarly, batteries, toner cartridges and glass and plastic are collected for re-cycling. Participants are requested to avoid making or distributing unneeded paper copies by making use of electronic copies and electronic distribution when possible. All Conference documents can be downloaded from the Conference Website.

Do you need to print out that document? Consult it online (html or pdf); take a few notes. When you do need to print, use the recto-verso printing option.
Use all paper sparingly. Use recycled or environmentally friendly paper.
For recto printing, use the other side for taking notes. Finished with the document? Use the recycling bins at your disposal.
Use the recycling bins for batteries, glass and plastic bottles, plastic cups.