click to enlarge

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

BEST PRACTICES IN GREEN BUILDING—SWISS AND U.S. PERSPECTIVES
MAY 5, 2008, SWISS EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON

A distinguished group of architects, city planners and interior designers enjoyed the tour of the Swiss Residence. During the panel discussion, Swiss and U.S. experts shared best practices for reducing energy consumption in the building sector. The number of energy-efficient buildings with excellent insulation and mechanical air flow in Switzerland has increased 16 times since 2000. Compared to a conventional building, a Swiss Minergie building needs up to 60% less energy and has a 12% higher property value after 30 years. In the U.S. too, the Leadership in Energy and Efficiency Design (LEED) standards are becoming increasingly important and required for the construction industry.

Swiss Ambassador Urs Ziswiler received the prestigious “Patronage Award” from the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The Swiss Residence won this award for fostering architecture that makes a lasting contribution to the Washington, D.C. environment.