Press Releases: The Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Celebrates Earth Day With LEED® Gold Certification of the New U.S. Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands
Media Note
In honor of its commitment to resiliency and environmental stewardship, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) announced today that the new U.S. Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold Certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® for New Construction green building rating system.
The Embassy in The Hague joins 45 U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide that have achieved LEED® certification, including one prestigious Platinum certification for the Innovation Center in Helsinki, 14 Gold certifications, and 30 Silver or LEED®-certified missions. In addition, OBO has 48 projects in design or under construction anticipated to earn a minimum of LEED® Silver certification.
Along with its LEED® certified facilities, OBO celebrates its contributions to sustainable building operations at U.S. diplomatic missions with its achievements in photovoltaic (PV) solar panel installations. Since 2005, OBO has deployed 37 PV array installations totaling over 7,000 kilowatts (kW) that are projected to save over $22 million over the life of the systems. Currently, OBO has eight deployments in design or under construction totaling over 3,000 kW that are projected to save more than $27 million over the life of the systems.
By reducing diplomatic facilities demand on energy and diversifying energy sources, OBO is enhancing both the efficiency and resiliency of the Department’s operations.
OBO provides safe, secure, functional, and resilient facilities that represent the U.S. government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities represent American values and the best in American architecture, design, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.
For further information please contact Christine Foushee at FousheeCT@state.gov, or visit www.state.gov/obo.