6 July 2011: Two World Bank Washington office buildings have earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council, as a result of the implementation of green activities aimed at reducing its energy use and carrying out awareness raising campaigns.

The two Washington offices have, inter alia: diverted 100% of electronic waste from landfills as part of a comprehensive recycling programme; purchased renewable energy certificates equal to 100% of their annual energy usage; mandated the use of 100% green cleaning products in the buildings and on the grounds; and developed multiple outreach efforts to educate and motivate building occupants to adopt sustainable practices.

The World Bank also documented its efforts to reduce annual water consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as reducing conventional commuting trips of its employees. In one of its buildings, the Bank installed adaptive plant species on a green roof that reduce building cooling load, storm water discharge and the urban ‘heat island’ effect. The latest certifications add to those earned by recently purchased building on Connecticut Avenue, and a building on Pennsylvania Avenue, both of which earned Platinum certification; and the Chennai, India building, which earned Silver certification. [World Bank Press Release]