Over the last two decades, the UNECE Committee on Sustainable Energy has developed a number of international agreements, basically classifications and codifications in the field of coal and gas. The current programme is now being enlarged by initiating new normative projects related to the harmonization of national and regional regulations and specifications in the field of energy and environment, energy use and equipment and energy efficiency.

International Classifications

1. The United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources 2009 (UNFC-2009) is a universally acceptable and internationally applicable scheme for the classification and reporting of fossil energy and mineral reserves and resources and is currently the only classification in the world to do so. As with extractive activities, UNFC-2009 reflects conditions in the economic and social domain, including markets and government framework conditions, technological and industrial maturity and the ever present uncertainties.  It provides a single framework on which to build international energy and mineral studies, analyse government resource management policies, plan industrial processes and allocate capital efficiently.  By covering all extractive activities, UNFC-2009 captures the common principles and provides a tool for consistent reporting for these activities, regardless of the commodity.  UNFC-2009 is a strong code, offering simplicity without sacrificing completeness or flexibility.  It paves the way for improved global communications which will aid stability and security of supplies, governed by fewer and more widely understood rules and guidelines.  This normative document was approved by ECOSOC and recommended for worldwide implementation.  At present, UNFC-2009 is being considered for approval as a national standard in different countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.
   
   
2. The International Codification System for Low-grade Coal Utilization (2002). The Codification System will be a helpful tool for coal users in selecting different types of solid fuels and optimizing the combustion process in thermal power sector.
   
   
3. The UNECE International Codification System for Medium and High Rank Coals (1988)
   
   
4. The UNECE Uniform Code of Draught Survey and Equipment Specifications for Determining the Weight of Bulk Coal Cargoes (1992).  The Code harmonizes some procedures and practices in the international seaborne coal trade.
   
   
5. The International Classification of Dynamic Phenomena in Mines (1994) helps managers and researchers in the mine safety aspects to forecast and prevent the gas dynamic phenomena in underground coal mines.
   
   
6. The UNECE International Classification System of Coals in Seam (1998) determines the procedure of some geological operations related to coal seam evaluation.
   
   
7. The Glossary of Natural Gas Reserves (1996) is to enhance communication and understanding of terms and definitions related to the gas exploration, exploitation and economics.
   
   
8. Harmonization of the Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling Systems. This is expected to promote the energy efficient technology in households and services and enhance technology transfer to economies in transition.
   
   

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