The D.C. Greening Embassies Forum is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State, the Earth Da Department of State, the Earth Day Network and the D.C.
diplomatic community. Officially launched by Secretary Clinton on Earth Day 2010, the forum meets quarterly to offer Washington D.C.- based foreign missions the opportunity to share best practices, challenges and experiences on greening facility renovations and sustainable business operations. Since embassies and international institutions in the District operate alike by carrying out similar miss
ions and activities within the same infrastructure (ie. power grid, sewage system, commuting and procurement services), they share the same challenges when it comes to reducing their environmental footprint. When one embassy discovers a way to overcome a specific challenge, other embassies are able to learn from their example and produce an exponentially greater outcome. Leading by example, the Forum seeks to prove that organizations can operate effectively under sustainable practices; using collaboration to find innovative solutions. The DC diplomatic community aims to improve operations through sustainable practices, including:
• Efficient Buildings & Energy Consumption
• Low Carbon/Fuel and High Mileage Transportation
• Water Conservation and Waste Reduction
• Eco-Purchasing and Efficient IT Utilization
• Leading by Example and Highlighting Greening Activities
• Contributing and engaging the D.C. community
• Engaging the NGO and private sector to identify new innovations in greening activities and technologies that can be practicably applied by members. Even though they represent their respective nation, many embassies in DC endeavor to be part of and give back to the local community; both in sharing resources and helping the District government meet environmental and sustainability goals. To achieve this:
Embassies, including Ambassadors, meet quarterly to participate in round-table discussions. This is a rotating host forum. Facility managers and embassy staff have the opportunity to participate in workshops hosted by organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and the District Department of the Environment. The Department of Commerce will help match solution providers and commercial vendors from all nations to embassies needing sustainability and clean energy services by hosting expos. Future themes include green IT, energy efficient buildings, financing projects, fuel efficient fleets, energy benchmarking, green roofs and rain-gardens and employees residential utilities.
