In the midst of responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at diplomatic posts around the world, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) takes the opportunity on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day to underscore its commitment to resiliency and environmental stewardship with the announcement of the Department's 50th Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certified diplomatic facility under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® Certification Program.
The U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan's new office annex project was the 50th U.S. diplomatic property to achieve LEED® certification with its GOLD level certification this year. The Amman project joins U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide that have achieved LEED® certification, including two Platinum certifications for the Innovation Center in Helsinki and the U.S. Embassy in London, 17 Gold certifications, and 32 Silver or LEED®-certified missions. OBO currently has an additional 51 projects in design or under construction anticipated to earn a minimum of LEED® Silver certification. LEED® certification is a globally recognized marker of industry leading green buildings.
Along with its LEED® certified facilities, OBO celebrates its contributions to resilient building operations at U.S. diplomatic missions with photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installations. Since 2005, OBO has deployed 38 PV array installations totaling close to eight gigawatts (GW) in capacity. In 2019 these systems generated enough energy to power the equivalent of 1,082 homes in the United States. After paying for themselves, these systems are projected to save $35 million in utility costs over their 25-year span. Currently, OBO has another 15 PV systems in design or under construction.
By reducing diplomatic facilities demand on energy and diversifying energy sources, OBO is enhancing both the efficiency and resiliency of the Department's operations.
