The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Business Council (GBC). This recognition highlights the embassy's overall building performance, focusing on sustainability, efficient use of water and energy, and indoor environmental quality. It marks the 64th LEED Certification and 24th Gold for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO).
The design of the embassy serves as an example of building performance optimization and environmental stewardship. Features include a climate-responsive shell with deep shades to protect interiors from solar heat gain and solar panels that cut annual energy use by 40 percent. The building was designed by ZGF Architects, with Caddell Construction Co. as the general contractor and Integrus Architecture as the architect of record.
To promote conservation of natural resources and highlight U.S. environmental technology and policy, OBO mandates that all new office buildings on overseas diplomatic property achieve at least LEED Silver Certification by adhering to detailed standards covering carbon emissions, energy and water use, waste management, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality. The Colombo project exceeded OBO’s minimum requirement of 50 points by achieving 65 points.
OBO is responsible for managing real property related to planning, acquisition, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and disposal of U.S. governmental diplomatic and consular properties overseas.
For more information about the new U.S. Embassy Colombo or other inquiries contact OBOExternalAffairs@state.gov or visit https://www.state.gov/obo.
