The Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Lithuania is proud to lead a series of sustainability initiatives aimed at significantly reducing our environmental impact and contributing to global goals. These efforts exemplify our dedication to the ambitious Nordic Vision 2030, striving to make our region as the most sustainable and inclusive in the world. Our commitment extends beyond our external projects, ensuring alignment with our internal practices as well.
A recent environmental assessment conducted in 2023 revealed that our office operations were responsible for emitting 88 tonnes of CO2e, highlighting an urgent need to amplify our emissions reduction efforts. With air travel as a major contributor, accounting for 41.3 tonnes of CO2e, followed by office operations at 39.8 tonnes of CO2e, we are inspired to tackle these challenges through a variety of initiatives.
To ensure our impact is limited, we are implementing a range of initiatives to reduce emissions, such as making smarter travel choices and choosing vegan food during events. We are also aiming to become planet positive by positively contributing to the climate by supporting wetland and reforestations projects, which have already helped prevent 615 tonnes of CO2e – equivalent to double or our emissions in from the period of 2019 – 2022.
Background and journey towards sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability began in 2010 when we established our first green action plan. The most recent of our Climate and Environmental Action Plan signifies a strategic evolution, closely aligned with the Nordic Council of Ministers’ broader objectives. Drawing inspiration from the “Climate and Environmental Action Plan for Nordens Hus 2022–2024,” our actions in Lithuania contribute to and are informed by global sustainability goals. This document is designed to dynamically adapt, reflecting our ongoing journey and incorporating new strategies, technologies, and best practices to achieve a sustainable future.
Engaging our community and stakeholders
Our sustainability approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration across all levels:
- Staff engagement: Our team is at the heart of our environmental efforts, participating in educational activities and embracing opportunities to directly witness the impact of our actions.
- Holistic projects: We ensure environmental considerations are integrated into all collaborative projects, fostering a comprehensive approach to sustainability that also encompasses gender equality and youth engagement.
- Local partnerships and expert collaboration: By partnering with local agencies and NGOs, we not only contribute to the community but also gain valuable insights. Working with specialists like Planet Positive, we strive for accurate sustainability reporting, benefiting from their expertise to enhance our practices. Our collaboration with organizations working with peatland restoration and reforestation further our positive climate contributions.
Our engagement strategy and longstanding commitment underline our dedication to driving sustainable change, both within our operations and the wider community.
