The Foreign Service Journal, April 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2014 33 getting a high-quality fixture—in terms of light quality, light color, long life and other factors. Lighting retrofits are a quick, simple, low-cost project with immediate returns. Build Efficiency. Because more than 40 percent of all energy used globally is consumed by the operation of commercial and residential buildings, energy efficiency is one of the simplest paths to a more sustainable future. Understand the manner in which mission workspaces are utilized. Understand where heat loss and/or heat gain occur, and insulate accordingly. Com- mercial workspaces are generally occupied for less than half of the total hours in a week, yet many buildings are heated, cooled and illuminated as if they were occupied 24/7. Motion sensors on lighting, scheduled HVAC operation and office equipment shutdown can be tuned to occupant behavior. A smart building responds to the needs of its occupants. High-Performance Technology. Changing the perception of sustainable products and efficient practices is one of the best tools to achieve success. New products, building standards and other services are not just about sustainability, but also about improved performance. A typical incandescent light wastes more than 90 percent of its energy by radiating heat rather than light, and typically lasts only about 1,000 hours. The service lifetime for a modern energy-efficient LED lamp is up to 25 times longer than that; and the light emitted is indistinguishable from incandescent light. It is clear which is the better product. When procuring a workstation, the procurement team does not accept a typewriter; instead they specify high-performance requirements. We should be similarly specific when procuring other equipment and products. Efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand. A key economic incentive, cost reduction through sustainable solutions, helps prioritize always-limited financial resources. Most sustainability projects simultaneously reduce short-term and long-term operating costs, while ensuring high performance long into the future. Sustainable products have tangible benefits in terms of improvements to workplace air quality, light quality and overall health. This can then influence productivity, as well as the quality of life and overall well-being of mission staff. The League Can Help The League of Green Embassies office is available to provide support, coordinate regional projects, facilitate information sharing, and help promote and publicize member activities. The League can help your mission identify potential projects, provide assistance with energy auditing, perform product research and