COP27 Official Sustainability Report
Our engagement spanned expertise in validation and verification, emissions avoidance, and rebalancing emissions.
(The Report: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/cop27_sustainability_report.pdf )
The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) was hosted by Egypt in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh from 6th November to 18th November 2022. The event space was split into two areas; the Blue Zone, to host international negotiations, and the Green Zone, a space dedicated for public engagement, which altogether welcomed on average 15,000 visitors each day.
The Egyptian Government approached the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) asking for support in developing the Official Sustainability Report for COP27and validating the emissions of one of the world's most significant conferences. The UNFCCC got in touch with One Carbon World (OCW) due to our experience and historic collaboration throughout the years in projects such as the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative, among others.
Collaborating with a diverse array of stakeholders, OCW meticulously verified the emissions for COP27. This particular endeavour, given the scale of COP27 with over 46,000 attendees, demanded adherence to the highest compliance standards. OCW's comprehensive verification process encompassed global delegate travel, including high-profile figures such as prime ministers and presidents, along with the scrutiny of the emissions from accommodation and event activities originating from diverse international sources.
Our engagement spanned expertise in validation and verification, emissions avoidance, and rebalancing emissions. We were committed to upholding the most rigorous reporting standards, ensuring transparency, and providing strategic recommendations for future events.
The complexities of delegate travel, a significant contributor to the carbon footprint, added layers of intricacy due to the vast amount of data involved. OCW navigated these complexities with the overarching goal of minimising travel-related emissions, showcasing our expert handling of the verification process.
The resulting COP27 Official Sustainability Report serves not only as a comprehensive record of COP27 but also as a greenprint guiding future events, emphasising accountable and transparent reporting.
Commendably, the Egyptian Government implemented reduction plans and solutions, such as introducing renewable energy through the development of three new solar photovoltaic arrays, sustainable accommodation options, a fleet of electric and natural gas powered buses free of charge, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Our pivotal role in verifying and issuing this COP27 Sustainability Report solidifies our position as a pioneer in raising awareness of the environmental impact of major international events and providing ad-hoc solutions to reduce it as much as possible. Our success in overcoming challenges further establishes OCW as a trusted partner in the pursuit of sustainability and voluntary climate action.