In an important symbol of our enduring friendship with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, U.S. Charge d ’Affaires Eunice Reddick broke ground on the new U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott. The new Embassy will be situated on a 10.5-acre site in the Tevragh Zeina district and will include a chancery, warehouse and maintenance facilities, a utility building, multiple access pavilions, and community facilities. When completed, the new complex will provide Embassy employees with a secure, modern, and environmentally sustainable workplace. The $181 million project will incorporate numerous sustainable features, including the Department’s first major wind-powered turbine for an American Embassy; emissions-free power through the use of the 50 kW wind turbine and a 185 kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic array; an onsite water treatment plant for irrigation reuse; and light-emitting diode (LED) site lighting. The facility’s design targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2017 and will be constructed by Caddell Construction Company of Montgomery, Alabama.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2014/06/227045.htm