New Delhi: Environment will play a key role in this year's Commonwealth Games with the organisers announcing a series of green measures from boosting energy efficiency and air quality to expanding the city's forests.
 
Organisers and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) are going to jointly promote Ecological Codes over the next eight months in the run-up to the opening ceremony.
 
"The Commonwealth Games, like the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, represent an inordinate opportunity to pilot innovative ideas and transformational policies able to deliver a low carbon, resource efficient Green Economy," UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner said.
 
"The potential positive impact for Delhi's 14 million inhabitants is matched by the environmental awareness generated across the world. UNEP is delighted to be working with the Commonwealth Games for the first time ever and we look forward to a positive environmental legacy for the residents of this historic, capital city," he added.
 
The Ecological Codes launched today will provide guidelines on conserving biodiversity, energy efficiency, effective waste management, reduced air and noise pollution and sustainable transportation.
 
Since October 2007, when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the organisers of the Commonwealth Games, UNEP has acted as an advisor for promoting environmental awareness and ensuring that the best of international practices are being implemented to ensure a green sporting event.
 
As a major emerging economy with a sixth of the world's population, India faces major challenges for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. Transportation alone is a major contributor to climate change and air pollution in mega-cities like Delhi.