Energy-Efficient Upgrades Sweep Embassies in Europe

An extensive series of energy-efficient makeovers of U.S. embassies is happening right now across Europe. Initiated by the Alliance to Save Energy and the U.S. State Department’s League of Green Embassies, renovations being made as part of the “Energy Efficiency Sweep of Europe” will help the residences and offices of 11 U.S. ambassadors save energy and money. 

The energy-efficient building makeovers, which began in November 2011 and will continue through May 2012, are modeled on an Alliance-League renovation of the historic Brussels residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Belgium (see video on right).

Whereas the Alliance coordinated renovations in the Brussels pilot project, embassies in the current “EE Sweep” are handling the logistics themselves. Participating embassies also receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of State: Through the efforts of U.S. Ambassador to Finland and League Chair Bruce Oreck, the State Department provided $500,000 to defray some of the costs of the energy-efficient renovations.

Showcasing American Products and Leadership

Ambassador Oreck notes that the EE Sweep showcases energy-efficient, American products, as well as global leadership in the field of energy efficiency. “This EE Sweep across Europe demonstrates to the world market the capabilities of energy-efficient American products and technologies. It will grow global sales of these products and technologies in line with the National Export Initiative,” he said. 

Ten companies, including seven Alliance Associate members (see below), are working with the League in connection 

with the energy-efficient equipment, including LED lighting, wireless radiator controls, water conservation products, window film, energy-efficient appliances, power strips, chargers and educational kiosks. Each residence is installing a variety of products based its specific needs.

Alliance President Kateri Callahan believes the EE Sweep will have benefits around the world. “This multi-city project will showcase the tremendous variety of innovative, energy-saving products that consumers everywhere can use to lower their home energy bills,” she said.

Ambassador Oreck is term-limited as chair of the League. In order to perpetuate his vision for energy efficiency, he wants to institutionalize the Sweep within the State Department so it can be replicated there and by other agencies. His goal is to secure funding for energy-efficient retrofits in other State Department properties – and at some 285 U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide – in keeping with the U.S. government’s energy efficiency targets for its building fleet.

An Ongoing Project

The EE Sweep upgrades have or will take place in:

• Madrid, Spain on Nov. 28, 2011
• Bern, Switzerland; Bratislava, Slovakia; Warsaw, Poland on Dec. 6, 2011
• Lisbon, Portugal on Dec. 7, 2011
• Sofia, Bulgaria on Dec. 13, 2011
• Rome, Italy in January 2012
• Paris, France in spring 2012
• Berlin, Germany to be unveiled in March 2012
• Vienna, Austria on May 11-13, 2012 in conjunction with the embassy’s Green Business Expo

Alliance Associates Prove Commitment to Efficiency

3M
Window film upgrades will provide privacy and block solar heat gain while allowing daylight to illuminate the residences’ interiors.

Cree
Efficient interior and exterior lighting will cut down electricity use and costs.

Danfoss
Radiator valves with time-controlled thermostats connected to a remote-control system will reduce heat waste in non-occupied rooms.

Niagara Conservation
Water conservation products include flow aerators in all of the cities. In Bern, window and door weather-stripping materials and caulk will reduce air leaks as well.

Philips
Replacement of inefficient incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) will save at least 75% of the energy used while maintaining attractive light in the historical residences.

Whirlpool
Appliances such as microwaves, ovens and other household necessities will be replaced with energy-efficient models. Appliance use makes up about 10-20% of home energy bills.

Johnson Controls
A web portal will provide information to measure the actual efficiencies achieved.