Consulate General Sao Paulo continues our focus on environmentally friendly practices.  Our success is derived from implementation of initiatives where Consulate employees have a vested interest and see the positive impact they can make. Additionally, our Green Team works closely with our Facilities Management Officer (FMO) to ensure the Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) mission is fully supported.

We have had a successful recycling program since 2009.  White paper, plastic, cardboard, cans and metal, batteries, toner cartridges, newspapers and magazines are all recycled. Our FMO established minimum and maximum thermostat temperatures throughout Post to make the most efficient use of energy. To encourage carpooling we have established several carpool only parking spaces. CFL light bulbs and low-flow shower heads have been installed in residences as part of a contract for new apartment acquisitions.  Also, all of our motor pool vehicles currently are flex fuel vehicles, which enable them to take advantage of the of sugar-based ethanol available in Brazil.

We have used broad communication strategies to promote and encourage environmental initiatives.  A Green Award was created to encourage employee participation in the Green Team and recognize suggestions that result in cost savings, reduction of the Mission’s carbon footprint, and improve the energy efficiency of USG owned properties. In each of our monthly newletters we feature a Green Ideas section. The June edition highlighted the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development; more popularly known as Rio+20. The Consulate has even created a Green Team logo to create brand awareness.  The logo appears  each monthly newsletter along with the Green Ideas and  also on Management Notices related to Green Initiatives.

Consulate General Sao Paulo has many future initiatives in the works as well. We plan on expanding our car pool initiative to reduce emissions and increase parking space. A vehicle oil recycling program is due to start soon. Not just in Sao Paulo, but Mission-wide in Brazil, studies are underway for the use of solar panels to compliment energy supplies. A rain water harvesting system is also being investigated.  Finally, for all our residences we have begun a program of installing new energy-efficient air conditioning units.

Visit the U.S. Consulate Sao Paulo website for more information.