The Foreign Service Journal, April 2014

34 APRIL 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL analysis and assist with product selection. It also has extensive experience with lighting retrofits. • Don’t start with “it can’t be done.” Remember that by becoming a member of the League of Green Embassies, your ambassador has made a commitment to lead in sustainable practices. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” • Frame your discussion around solutions to achieve your sustainability goals rather than the inhibitors. It is not always easy to be the first, but if no one takes calculated risks on new products, processes or technologies, we’ll make no progress on our sustainability goals. • Pilot smaller projects and measure their success before implementing large-scale solutions. Utilize the research and testing of others, from fellow member posts to the Department of Energy’s Next Generation Luminaries Design Competition program. In addition to the League’s resources, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations’ Green Team publishes a comprehensive Green Guide to help posts identify sustainability projects, base- line, plan and implement. Become a Resource to Others A key secondary goal of the League of Green Embassies is to share what we have learned and encourage others to apply the same principles. Embassies are a powerful force for introducing innovative solutions and influencing individuals and institutions in host countries. League members can play an important role in mobilizing public opinion and action. While individual embassies determine what projects are pos- sible within their own mission, our collective actions demon- strate U.S. resolve and leadership. Participation in the League of Green Embassies reflects an embassy’s commitment to improv- ing government energy and resource use and to stimulating American investment in high performance technologies. Our embassies all over the world then become showcases for sustainable and energy-efficient products, technologies and other concepts. We want U.S. embassies to lead by example, and show what is possible when American ingenuity takes on the challenges of climate change. n U.S. embassies can showcase what can be achieved in any local environment.