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The Greening Diplomacy Initiative Leading by Example

 The Greening Diplomacy Initiative (GDI) aims to improve the environmental sustainability of the U.S. Department of State’s global operations and to encourage foreign embassies in Washington to do the same. Advanced by the Department’s Greening Council in 2009, the GDI challenges the Department to develop and implement policies and actions that lessen its overall environmental footprint, reduce costs, and ensure sustainability remains at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy.  Fact Sheet»  

Taking Action Abroad

All across the globe, Embassies and Consulates have been working to reduce their environmental impact. To see just how much has been achieved around the world, check out the Greening in Action Success Story Map.
If you would like to know more about the work being done on embassy buildings overseas, visit http://www.state.gov/obo/green/ .

Taking Action at Home

Energy

• Department headquarters holds 104 solar panels on its roof
• Use Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) to upgrade lighting, metering and HVAC systems in domestic facilities
• Broke ground for a new certified LEED^® Gold data center in FY2010
• Will increase domestic renewable energy use to 45% in FY2012

Fuel

• Installed renewable fuel pumps at one of seven fueling centers and laid out plans to install pumps at others as soon as viable fuel sources are found. Of the total domestic fleet, 41% of its vehicles now use alternative fuels.
• On July 27, 2008, the Department launched a pilot bicycle program at the HST Building, offering 10 bicycles for complimentary use by employees during work hours. The bike program was later accompanied by showers available for bikers.

Waste

• The headquarters building recycles nearly 200 tons of waste annually
• During headquarter renovations, the Department recycled or reused over 75% of all construction and demolition wastes
• After introducing reusable coffee mugs in the spring of 2009, the Department’s headquarters cafeteria completely phased out Styrofoam cups, trays, and dishes on August 1, replacing them with biodegradable utensils.

Recognitions

Sofia, Bulgaria LEED® Certified 37% Better than ASHRAE Brownfield Redevelopment Ozone Protection No Chemical Water Treatment Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Tree Preservation Building as Educational Tool DHRC More»	Brazzaville LEED® Gold 32% Better than ASHRAE 31% Building Water Use less than baseline Water Efficient Landscaping 95% of Construction Waste Diverted from Landfills Regional Materials Enhanced Indoor Air Quality More»	The 2011 GreenGov Presidential Awards The Department of State is pleased to announce that it has received the 2011 GreenGov Presidential Award for Building the Future. The award recognizes the Department for incorporating sustainable practices and principles into all aspects of the operations of Building 84 at the Charleston, South Carolina Regional Center. More»
Ouagadougou LEED® Silver 17% Better than ASHRAE 39% Building Water Use better than baseline Constructed Wetlands on-site Waste Water Treatment Water Efficient Landscaping Highly reflective hardscape and roofing Low-Emitting Materials More»	Johannesburg LEED® Certified 22% Better than ASHRAE 31% Building Water Use less than baseline Ozone Protection 20% Recycled Content Regional Materials Low-Emitting Materials Enhanced Indoor Air Quality More»	Panama City LEED® Certified 35% Better than ASHRAE Ozone Protection Water Efficient Landscaping Regional Materials Low-Emitting Materials Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Building as Educational Tool More»