The building on Wilhelmstrasse, which was opened by the Queen in 2000, is among the first to be awarded the new Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) In-Use certificate.

Michael Arthur, British ambassador to Germany, said: “We are really proud to work in this embassy.

“Not only because it is an outstanding piece of architecture, but also because it is a sustainable and modern building.

“I am delighted that we have been awarded with the BREEAM In-Use certificate because it highlights the UK government’s commitment to a low-carbon future.”

BREEAM is a voluntary rating system for the environmental or energy performance of a building, which was set up in the UK and has since been exported in different guises around the world.

The new In-Use certificate, launched in March, allows building occupiers or managers to file information about the building online.

A BREEAM assessor then audits it before issuing a certificate.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office says the certificate is a “further step” towards making its buildings more environmentally friendly.

Ernie Shelton, director of energy and environmental sustainability for building managers Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions, said last Tuesday (July 21): “We are really proud to receive this certificate and to be working alongside the UK Government with its vision for a low-carbon future.”

The real estate and facilities management company has made “significant improvements” to the building and its management, he added.

These include an intelligent building management system, which uses 19 energy meters to control temperature and air conditioning.

Martin Townsend, BREEAM director, said: “BREEAM is now leading the way internationally both for new and existing buildings.

“This BREEAM In-Use certification is the first of many to be achieved in the UK and worldwide”.

David Gibbs

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