Ambassador Donald S. Beyer hosts a “Green Embassy” press conference and lunch (Dec 6, 2011)
Amb. Beyer (left) details US Embassy Bern's "green" initiatives
Ambassador Beyer (left) receives plaque from League of Green Embassies
On December 6, 2011, as part of the Embassy’s ongoing commitment to reducing its carbon footprint in Switzerland, U.S. Ambassador Donald S. Beyer hosted a “Green Embassy” press conference and lunch to showcase the Embassy’s Green Initiatives at both the Ambassador’s residence and the Embassy Chancellery.
Energy Efficiency Sweep Across Europe
“The current changes to the Ambassador’s residence are part of a $1,000,000 ongoing effort on the part of the State Department’s ‘League of Green Embassies’ to ‘green’ 10 ambassadorial residences throughout Europe, including my home in Bern,” said Ambassador Beyer. As part of Bern’s energy efficiency “sweep,” we’ve taken the following actions:
• Heating: we replaced an old, inefficient oil-burning furnace in the Ambassador’s residence with a connection to the city’s district-heating pipeline. We believe that the Ambassador’s residence is now the only example of a stand-alone residence in Bern that will be heated by district heat. We also have plans to scrub the 10,000 liter oil tank clean and use it as a rainwater collection cistern for irrigation. Result: significant reduction in carbon footprint.
• Lighting: we’ve converted many incandescent and fluorescent bulbs to new, state-of-the-art LED lights—both internal and external (security) lights. Result: 80% reduction in energy usage for lighting. In the chancery, we’ve installed timers and motion sensors to reduce the lighting of unoccupied spaces.
• Appliances: replaced old freezers and refrigerators with new very efficient models both in the CMR and in the chancery. Result:90% reduction in energy usage for appliances.
• “Smart” radiator controls: these programmable controls reduce energy usage during times of lower demand. Result: anticipated 25% less energy for heating.
• Window film and weather stripping that helps block UV and IR rays. Result: reduce energy use by preventing heat transfer in the winter and by aiding cooling during the summer.
• “Smart” power strips: we have plans to utilize these both in the CMR and in the chancery. Result: less energy consumption when appliances are idle.
Ambassador Beyer noted that, since 2010, Embassy Bern has purchased only renewable (hydroelectric) power. And this year Embassy Bern partnered with Swiss Climate to conduct a Carbon Footprint study and develop a CY 2009 carbon emissions baseline from which our continued efforts to reduce emissions can be measured.
League of Green Embassies
The League of Green Embassies is a global network of over seventy U.S. diplomatic missions formulating a common agenda for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation. Member embassies aspire to introduce innovative solutions, influence individuals and institutions in host countries, and to play an important role in mobilizing public action.
The League provides new economic opportunities while addressing important political and ecological challenges such as energy security and climate change. The League was established in 2007 by Michael M. Wood, former U.S. Ambassador to Sweden. Since November 2010, the League has been led by U.S. Ambassador to Finland, Bruce J. Oreck.
The U.S. Embassy in Bern thanks the following companies for their work with the League of Green Embassies. It is a result of their donations and expertise that Embassy Bern has been able to accomplish what it has so far.
Phillips: lighting
EWB: district heating
Whirlpool (Swiss subsidiary) BauknechtAG: appliances
Danfoss: radiator controls
3M: window film
HJ Aeschbacher: installation of district heating
A. Steiger: electrical contractor for district heating
Belkin: smart power strips
Trim Line: installation of Window Film
Niagara Conservation: weather stripping
Swiss Climate: Carbon Footprint Study