Creating Energy Efficient, Intelligent Buildings on the Embassy Compound

The renovation project of the Embassy compound stems from Ambassador and Mrs. Oreck’s commitment to energy efficiency and intelligent buildings. The unveiling of the construction banner on October 6, 2010, in Ambassador Oreck’s words, was moving from conversation to action, from intention to implementation.

The renovation project will take several years and will involve the Consulate Annex as well as the Ambassador’s official residence. The Consulate Annex was built in 1904 and the official residence of the Ambassador in 1940.
     
After the renovation is complete, our goal is to achieve LEED Platinum certification for the Annex buildings and to cause the entire Embassy to be the most energy intelligent U.S. embassy in the world. All of this work will not only radically reduce our carbon footprint, but will demonstrate the economic case for investments in energy efficiency.

The renovation project funded by the U.S. Government is an expression of the U.S. commitment to Finland and the value that the U.S. Congress and President Obama place on our relationship with Finland. Our investment in the greening of our Embassy compound and our commitment to the future of green Helsinki acknowledges the importance of that relationship and recognizes the excellence of Finnish innovation and know-how in the area of green building technology and sustainable development. The United States and Finland share the commitment to counteract the negative effects of climate change. In the process of the construction project, U.S. and Finnish companies and other entities will collaborate, engage with each other, learn from each other, and further strengthen the business and other ties between our two countries.