The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has been awarded the coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Business Council (GBC), recognizing its exceptional building performance in sustainability, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality.
This achievement marks the 64th LEED certification and 24th Gold certification for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), which oversees the design and construction of diplomatic facilities worldwide.
The Colombo embassy’s state-of-the-art design reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship and efficiency. Key features include a climate-responsive exterior with deep shading to reduce solar heat gain and solar panels that contribute to a 40% reduction in annual energy usage. The project was led by ZGF Architects, with Caddell Construction Co. serving as the general contractor and Integrus Architecture as the architect of record.
OBO mandates that all new U.S. diplomatic office buildings meet at least LEED® Silver certification standards, addressing areas such as energy, water, carbon reduction, waste management, and indoor environmental quality. The Colombo Embassy surpassed these standards, achieving 65 points—15 points higher than the minimum requirement for Gold certification.
The embassy’s design and construction underscore the U.S. government’s dedication to sustainable building practices and conservation of natural resources while showcasing cutting-edge American environmental technology and policies.
OBO serves as the central property manager for U.S. diplomatic and consular buildings worldwide, ensuring facilities are optimized for effective diplomacy. For more details about the U.S. Embassy Colombo and its green initiatives, visit the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ webpage or contact OBOExternalAffairs@state.gov.
This milestone not only highlights the United States’ commitment to sustainability but also sets a benchmark for environmentally conscious architectural design on a global scale.