The U.S. Department of State (DOS) appointed a new leader in its federal climate conservation and sustainability efforts.
According to a Feb. 9 DOS press statement by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Under Secretary for Management John R. Bass now serves as DOS Chief Sustainability Officer. In the new role, Bass is expected to "set the vision for and oversee implementation of the Department's sustainability, adaption, and resilience goals."
"The Department is building on more than a decade of climate actions that have curbed emissions, enhanced climate adaptation, and made our operations more sustainable," Blinken said in the release. "We are proud to be the premier federal agency in terms of harnessing renewable energy in our domestic operations and are working to electrify our fleet at home and abroad."
Blinken added that all DOS consulates and embassies are U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified or better.
The DOS is reportedly working in sustainability endeavors such as rainwater harvesting systems and on-site renewable energy, according to the Secretary of State.
Bass will work alongside the DOS Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions and the Climate and Sustainability Working Group, which encompasses multiple bureaus and offices.
