Renewable Energy
- Nouakchott, which means “place of the winds” in the Berber language, will be the first U.S. Embassy compound with a wind turbine integrated into the project design. It is anticipated that this 50kW wind turbine will provide 5% of the Embassy’s annual energy usage.
- The compound will have 184kW of solar photovoltaic power systems integrated into parking canopies and the roofs of various buildings. These solar systems are expected to provide 11% of the Embassy’s annual energy usage.
- Overall, 16% of the Embassy’s energy usage will be from on-site renewable resources.
Energy Reduction
- The Embassy is designed to be nearly 30% more efficient than required by standard U.S. Building codes. When combined with on-site renewables, the Embassy will be using 46% less energy than a ‘standard’ designed building.
Energy saving measures include:
- Hot water throughout the site will be pre-heated through a combination of solar hot water systems and heat recovery chillers
- An improved building envelope which increases exterior wall and roof insulation, high performance glazing, and window shading systems.
- Demand controlled ventilation which uses interior CO2 sensors to control the amount of outside air
- Occupancy sensing lighting controls
- High efficiency chillers
Water Efficiency
- Project is pursuing all LEED© Water Efficiency credits available, and is even pursuing an Innovation in Design ‘bonus’ credit for their Innovative Waste Water Treatment design, which is designed beyond LEED© standards.
- The project is designed for zero use of potable water for landscape irrigation. This is done through a combination of selecting native or local plant materials that require less water, the use of efficient irrigation systems, and use of on-site captured rainwater and on-site treated wastewater. It is estimated that 290,780 gallons of wastewater per year will be treated on site.
- Potable water that is used indoors is reduced by 33% compared to standard commercial buildings through the use of high efficiency toilets, urinals, faucets and other plumbing fixtures.
Project Team:
Design Architect AECOM
Architect of Record Integrus Architecture
General Contractor Caddell Construction
Landscape Architect SPVV Landscape Architects
Structural Engineer Integrus
MEP Engineer MW Consulting Engineers
Contact Information
J. Ryan Grizzle
Public Affairs Officer
+ 222-4525-2660 | GrizzleJR@state.gov
Christine Foushee
OBO Director of External Affairs
703-875-4131 | FousheeCT@state.gov
