FAO’s commitment to Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) continues to deepen. Despite operational challenges and externalities impacting on the FAO, this 2025 edition of the CER Annual Report demonstrates how sustainability is becoming a core element of FAO’s operations worldwide.
Implementation of the CER Strategy reached 73 percent, with workplan action steps growing by 40 percent since its launch in 2021. Staff engagement also strengthened, with 88 percent of staff completing the mandatory CER e-learning course and environmental responsibility embedded into job profiles and vacancy announcements. These efforts reflect a growing prioritization of sustainability as a core value.
FAO made notable strides in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Since 2018, 22 solar systems are now installed across Decentralized Offices, generating 696 MWh annually, reducing 1 032 tonnes of CO₂, and saving a total of USD 441 770. Additional systems under construction in GuineaBissau, Pakistan, and South Sudan will further cut emissions and costs. Energy efficiency measures, including the installation of modern HVAC systems and motion sensors, are reducing electricity demand by up to 30 percent in some offices. At headquarters, the garden renovation expanded green space by 84 percent, introduced over 100 new plant species, and integrated rainwater harvesting systems, reinforcing FAO’s commitment to biodiversity and resource efficiency.
Waste and water management also improved. Total waste generation decreased by 44 percent compared to 2018, and recycling rates rose to 39.4 percent. Per-capita water consumption declined by 6.7 percent from the previous year, despite broader operational demands. Travelrelated emissions remain a challenge, accounting for 60 percent of FAO’s carbon footprint, but new guidelines promoting virtual-first approaches and smarter travel planning are helping to reduce impact.
Despite these achievements, total greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 stood at 44 544 tonnes of CO₂e, essentially unchanged from 2023, indicating a new post-pandemic baseline. Current trends show an 8.6 percent deviation from the trajectory required to achieve the 2030 target of a 45 percent reduction in emissions. Data gaps in some offices further underscore the need for accelerated action and improved monitoring systems.
Looking ahead, FAO will launch its Environmental Management System in 2026, marking a major milestone in embedding environmental responsibility across all offices. Pilot assessments and action plans will begin in three countries, supported by strengthened governance and tools. This initiative, combined with continued leadership engagement, will be critical to achieving FAO’s ambitious sustainability targets.