Planting the Future in Greece

US Embassy Athens participated in two successful reforestation programs over the past six months. Volunteers joined students, NGO's and businesses in planting more than 2,000 trees and bushes at Pendeli and Marathon, areas which suffered from Summer wildfires.

Top Down Greening in Athens

US Embassy Athens has begun greening the roof of the Embassy with extensive vegetation. This will reduce wasteful runoff and lower heating and cooling costs for the building.

Next step to offset carbon and environmental impact is a greenhouse at the Ambassador's residence to grow carbon consuming plants for landscaping the embassy and other US Government residences.

Geneva Pits Volunteers Against Waste

Last weekend, US Mission Geneva built a compost pit to turn waste from both yard clippings and paper shredding into topsoil. The project was completed by volunteers from the community as part of a Boy Scout's Eagle project.

The New Embassy in Valletta

The New Embassy Compound in Valletta Addresses Stormwater Run-Off:
1. Erosion and Sediment control during construction including sediment traps, basins and silt fencing.
2. An underground stormwater retention tank will be permanently installed to retain 95% of stormwater runoff from the site so that it can be reused for the landscaping.

Saving Water in Jordan

Mindful of being situated in the fourth most water-poor country in the world, Post also focused on water saving measures. Drip irrigation is used to water the plants and zero-scape landscaping is used throughout the compound. The Ambassador's residence uses rock garden topography with indigenous, drought-resistant plants. Water-saving devices will be installed on faucets and shower heads in embassy buildings, including the gym and club. Post also installed what perhaps are the first waterless urinals in Jordan. A dual flush mechanism is currently being installed in Embassybathrooms. Future plans include reducing water usage for washing the Embassy motor-pool fleet.

EMBASSY NICOSIA GREENING IS CHEAP!

The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia has taken not only several “green” steps, but also achieved major cost-cuts and benefitted the environment. They have reduced energy consumption throughout the Chancery by only using desk lamps and fluorescent bulbs for lighting and reduced residential heating fuel by 50%. They planted drought-resistant plants, pooled printers, and installed reflective window film. They distributed utility bills to the residents and established a “Green Award” for those who lower their costs the most. It’s not too late! Follow in Nicosia’s foot-steps and not only will you benefit, but so will your children.