Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
The U.S. Department of State has been awarded the 2024 Presidential Federal Sustainability Award for Advancing Carbon-Free Electricity. This recognition comes as a result of the United States Embassy and Consulates in Japan becoming the first multi-post diplomatic mission to achieve 100 percent carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) for its operations throughout the country.
The team behind this achievement comprises innovative employees from Mission Japan and the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions’ (M/SS) Greening Diplomacy Initiative (GDI). By meeting the President’s mandate for agencies to operate on 100 percent CFE by 2030 seven years ahead of schedule, Mission Japan is eliminating approximately 5,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to the emissions of more than 900 households in Japan. U.S. Embassy Tokyo and U.S. Consulates Naha, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Nagoya collaborated with utility providers in their districts to facilitate this accomplishment.
Ambassador Rahm Emanuel and the project team are taking proactive measures to lead by example on climate issues. This initiative not only strengthens partnerships with Japan but also sets a precedent for other Missions.
The White House recognized the U.S. Department of State along with other federal agencies at an award ceremony held on Tuesday, June 25. Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, provided opening remarks while Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor, delivered the keynote address. Federal Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Mayock presented the awards.
For more information on all 2024 award winners, visit https://www.sustainability.gov/awards.html.
Presidential Federal Sustainability Award
Launched in March 2023, the Presidential Federal Sustainability Awards Program honors exceptional leadership, innovation, and achievements by federal agencies and their employees towards federal climate action goals set forth in the Federal Sustainability Plan and Executive Order 14057. Nominations are open to federal programs, projects, project teams, facilities, and individuals within their respective agencies.
Greening Diplomacy Initiative
Under the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions’ Greening Diplomacy Initiative (GDI), the U.S. Department of State organizes climate adaptation and sustainability efforts. GDI supports strategic planning and reporting while advancing climate solutions that align diplomatic policy priorities with management operations to lead by example on climate action.
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