Case Studies
Case Study: Resident Engagement
U.S. Embassy Vilnius instituted a program to cut energy use at its residences, called ‘TAIP! We Can Do It’ (‘taip’ is Lithuanian for ‘yes’). The program educates Post residents about their energy use by distributing a chart detailing each unit’s consumption of electricity, gas, and water for the month. Usage is compared to the previous year and to average embassy residential use, which together provide benchmarks and assist with goal-setting.
Case Study: Solar Water Heating
At U.S. Mission South Africa, the Green Team has installed solar water heaters on residences and other post buildings, a particularly effective strategy for the sunny South African climate.
Case Study: Green Technology
U.S. Embassy Rome implemented significant green technology improvements at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, Villa Taverna, a historically significant building. The upgrade was executed in conjunction with the League of Green Embassies’ (the League) Energy Efficiency Sweep initiative for COM residences, a collaborative effort involving the Department, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Alliance to Save Energy, and corporate vendors of efficiency products and equipment.
Case Study: Mold Remediation
Mold, a type of fungus, is a problem that is especially prevalent in humid climates such as Belize. It can have a significant effect on IAQ and occupant health. At the former Embassy location in Belize City, mold was discovered on the exterior metal surfaces of a fan-coil air conditioning unit in an office in the chancery. High humidity caused condensation, resulting in mold growth on various surfaces in the room. Maintenance protocol did not include cleaning those surfaces, and the equipment manufacturer insisted that mold growth should not have occurred.
Case Study: Air Quality
U.S. Embassy Beijing has taken numerous steps to improve IAQ. This issue is particularly important at Post, since the Beijing region faces severe air quality challenges due to pollution from increasing industrial activity.
Case Study: Upcycling
To reduce landfill and incineration waste, U.S. Embassy Banjul’s Green Committee began a recycling and reuse program for newspapers, shredded paper, magazines, plastic bags, glass bottles and jars, and aluminum cans. They found an opportunity to fulfill their mission of eco-diplomacy by creating partnerships with local community members to upcycle, including:
