‘Cool U.N.’ Turns Thermostats Up, Carbon Emissions Down
When the weather’s warm in New York City, so are staffers at the United Nations’ headquarters on the East River. That’s thanks to a pilot program dubbed “Cool U.N.,” which raised the thermostats in U.N. offices from 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit during August (conference rooms were allowed to stay at a slightly less balmy 75).
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the effort by saying he would wear lighter suits during August, according to a report from the Associated Press. Staffers followed suit, with women going sleeveless and men leaving their jackets off to keep cool in the warmer offices.
