Handbook for Montevideo Programme V on the Progressive Development and Implementation of Environmental Law

United Nations 2 years ago

The Montevideo Programme V secretariat has developed this digital handbook that highlights the Programme’s objectives, activities and outcomes in order to raise awareness and enhance understanding of the Programme by Governments and relevant stakeholders. This will create a strong and recognizable brand for the Programme and serve as a guide that strengthens the role of Government officials and other users in the further development and implementation of its priority areas. The handbook will be included on the UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform (UNEP-LEAP), the digital backbone of the Montevideo V Programme. The handbook is divided into five parts. Part I provides a brief overview, history and achievements of the Montevideo Programme. It then outlines the key features of the Montevideo Programme V highlighting how it is different from previous iterations as well as its articulation with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Part II of the handbook analyses and provides information on the existing legal responses at international and national levels to the three agreed thematic priority areas for implementation under the Montevideo Programme V, that is, the climate change crisis, the pollution crisis, and the biodiversity and nature loss crisis. It underlines the interconnectedness between the three thematic priorities areas and identifies the opportunities and potential contribution of the Programme in assisting Governments to respond to the crises. Part III provides information on how Governments can access support under the Programme, the types of support available, and resource requirements and sources of finance. Part IV addresses the critical issue of partnerships and stakeholder engagement. It highlights the significant emphasis the Programme places on the role of partners and major groups in the conception, delivery and implementation of activities. Part V provides information on existing resources on environmental law both within and outside UNEP with a view to enabling Governments and stakeholders to build and strengthen capacities in this field.
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 44 minutes ago



The UK’s low carbon building sector is entering a decisive economic shift shaped by falling energy prices and regulatory pressure on environmental sustainability in construction. Renewables have reduced wholesale electricity costs, creating a cost advantage for electrified plant, onsite generation and energy‑efficient buildings. Developers with access to grid connections are advancing sustainable construction projects using behind‑the‑meter solar and storage to cut the carbon footprint of construction while strengthening resilience and compliance. Investment flows are accelerating, with new financing facilities enabling wider adoption of low carbon design and renewable building materials that improve whole life carbon performance.

Policy direction is tightening. Biodiversity net gain requirements are being enforced alongside nature‑positive planning, driving sustainable building practices that integrate eco‑design for buildings from the outset. The shift reflects a lifecycle assessment approach, embedding whole life carbon assessment and life cycle cost analysis early in design to align with circular economy principles and sustainable material specification.

Globally, rising emissions from digital infrastructure underline the urgency of addressing embodied carbon in materials and operational energy demand. Data centres are setting benchmarks for embodied carbon reduction, cooling efficiency and grid interaction. The next generation of net zero carbon buildings will depend on circular construction strategies and resource efficiency in construction to deliver verifiable decarbonising of the built environment.

As energy systems decentralise, demand is increasing for low embodied carbon materials, end‑of‑life reuse in construction and transparent environmental product declarations (EPDs). The competitive edge now lies in designing net zero whole life carbon assets that demonstrate measurable improvements in building lifecycle performance, aligning with standards such as BREEAM and BREEAM v7. Sustainable building design has become both a compliance necessity and a strategic advantage in achieving a carbon neutral construction future.

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