Training Report: Capacity Building on POPs Monitoring in Biota and Abiotic Matrices in the Africa, Asia, Pacific and GRULAC Regions

United Nations 2 years ago

Article 16 of the Stockholm Convention requires the Conference of the Parties to evaluate the effectiveness of the Convention, including a Global Monitoring Plan (GMP) to collect comparable and consistent data on the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment and in humans in order to identify trends and global distribution. UNEP/GEF POPs GMP2 is the second round of GMP projects that was implemented from 2016 to 2024 in 42 countries in the Africa, Asia-Pacific and GRULAC regions to strengthen the capacity for the implementation of the GMP in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of capacity-building activities carried out under the UNEP/GEF POPs GMP2 projects. It seeks to offer insights into sustaining and further enhancing POPs monitoring capabilities in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
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layersDaily Sustainability Digest

Published about 20 days ago



Financial institutions are accelerating sustainable construction by aligning lending with measurable environmental performance. Santander UK’s decision to adapt mortgage models for Octopus Energy’s Zero Bills homes integrates credit policy with energy-efficient buildings, translating net zero carbon ambitions into mainstream financial metrics. This shift signals the emergence of whole life carbon assessment as a determinant in property valuation and positions embodied carbon and life cycle cost analysis as standard tools of risk management across the sector.

Digital transformation is amplifying the movement. The Monklands digital hospital project in Scotland demonstrates how offsite manufacturing, lifecycle assessment and connected data platforms enhance building lifecycle performance, minimise waste, and verify embodied carbon in materials. Durham’s adoption of digital planning and assessment tools reflects a broader drive toward resource efficiency in construction and environmental sustainability in construction. Together these initiatives redefine sustainable building design by embedding whole life carbon accountability into design and delivery workflows.

Policy remains an enabling force but the centre of momentum is shifting from government mandates to operational proof. A renewed national emphasis on green affordability and the integration of social equity with decarbonising the built environment are reinforcing the transition toward net zero whole life carbon outcomes. These developments illustrate a maturing circular economy in construction where sustainable building practices, low carbon design and eco-design for buildings converge to deliver verifiable carbon footprint reduction. The industry’s direction is now measurable—kilograms of CO₂, minutes saved, resources reused—evidence that green construction is evolving from aspiration to tangible low carbon building performance.

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