Embassy Amman Leads the Way

Post launched the Green Embassy initiative in September 2008 to reduce the Embassy's environmental, water, and energy footprint and to lower operational costs. The positive results have included estimated annual savings of $55,000 in electricity costs, $25,000 in water costs, and $40,000 in diesel fuel bills. The Embassy also recycled 30 tons of paper and cardboard, 4 tons of plastic, 2.5 tons of cans, and 3 tons of glass. Embassy Amman has set an ambitious target of working towards LEED certification as one of the first Green Buildings in Jordan and is working on a LEED audit with a vendor.

LEED in Sofia

The Embassy in Sofia was the first to be awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) when it was constructed. The features include a pulse-powered water treatment system, water saving fixtures and a drip irrigation system to reduce water consumption. More than 95% of the light bulbs is energy saving and light sensors ensure that lights are turned off when areas are not in use or when there is sufficient daylight. Timers are similarly used to shut down systems after hours. Solar water heaters and a heat exchange connected to the hot water system are utilized to reduce energy use. In addition, greater insulation has been obtained through the thermal properties of the external materials. Outside containers also promote recycling by employees after hours.

Nordic Nations Leaders in Global Trend toward LEED Green Building Program

International builders are increasingly adopting the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Building Rating System -- the United States’ primary tool for green building -- with international projects now comprising 27 percent of LEED certified and registered projects. LEED projects are underway in 114 nations, with a particularly strong presence in Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

“Currently there are 43 LEED projects under construction in the Nordics, where their commitment to consensus and collaboration mirrors exactly how LEED works best,” said U.S. Green Building Council’s Vice President of International, Tim McEnery. “Growth of LEED adoption in the Nordic region is accelerating: 36 projects have registered with LEED so far in 2009. With the increase of interest in the Nordic countries, we’re confident that LEED will be a tremendous tool to add to the leadership in sustainability that the Nordic countries embody.”