Diplomacy gets greener as new Ottawa High Commission is unveiled
Stephen Doughty makes first visit to Canada as North America Minister to formally open the most environmentally friendly building in the UK's diplomatic estate.
Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty at the official opening of the British High Commission building in Ottawa.
- UK’s greenest diplomatic building formally opened at gala reception in Ottawa by newly-appointed North America Minister Stephen Doughty
- unveiling of new British High Commission building highlights the UK’s commitment to tackling climate change and global Net Zero leadership
- minister also using first visit to Canada since the UK General Election to meet federal and provincial leaders as key allies refresh the UK-Canada partnership
The UK has underlined its commitment to be a global leader in tackling climate change by formally unveiling its most environmentally friendly diplomatic building in Ottawa.
Stephen Doughty is making his first visit to Canada since becoming the UK’s North America Minister following the General Election in July and has officially opened the new British High Commission building on Sussex Drive.
The building is the most environmentally sustainable building in the UK’s diplomatic network – including using reclaimed materials for the construction, having an energy efficient design, and targeting reduced water consumption – underlining the UK’s commitment to delivering on its 2050 Net Zero goal.
Minister Doughty, who has strong personal and family ties with Canada, was joined at a reception by High Commissioner Susannah Goshko, the Chief of the Air Staff, senior figures from the Canadian Armed Forces and senior representatives of the Government of Canada to mark the official opening.
Minister for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty said:
The UK and Canada are the closest of partners across the most pressing global challenges, from standing united with Ukraine to our relations as NATO allies and key partners in the Commonwealth. Our partnership is also crucial in the fight to tackle climate change, and it’s fitting that the greenest building in the UK’s diplomatic estate is here in Ottawa.
The UK continues to show leadership in the green transition and it’s an honour for me to formally unveil a building that lays down an important marker for environmentally friendly design.
Canada is a country with which I have significant personal ties and have such great affection for, and I’m thrilled to be back here for my first trip to the region as the UK’s Minister responsible for our relations.
During the gala reception, there was a fly-past by the Red Arrows over the new High Commission building providing a stunning backdrop to the VIP event as part of an ongoing tour of Canada by the RAF’s world-famous aerial display team.
The location of the new High Commission building is opposite the Global Affairs Canada building, providing a physical demonstration of the strength of the UK-Canada relationship.
Minister Doughty is also travelling to Montreal and over the course of his 2-day visit, meeting with political leaders to discuss UK-Canadian collaboration on global security issues, including Ukraine, the Middle East and as key partners and allies in NATO, and with business leaders to further UK-Canada economic ties.
Minister Doughty with High Commissioner Susannah Goshko at the official opening of the British High Commission building in Ottawa.
Background
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British High Commission staff have been working in the newly built office at 140 Sussex Drive in Ottawa since January
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at a ceremony in January, British High Commissioner Susannah Goshko was joined by Claudette Commanda, an Algonquin Anishinaabe Elder from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, who performed a blessing ceremony for the new office
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green credentials of the new building include diverting 98% of construction waste away from landfill, and incorporating wood salvaged from the Ottawa River and stone from the original residence coach house into the new design. The office aims to be economically sustainable by operating at a lower cost thanks to its energy efficiency rating which is currently on track to perform at 18% above the baseline average
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water consumption will also be reduced thanks to environmental features being incorporated into the landscape design, including native and drought resistant vegetation that mitigates the need for irrigation
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the Red Arrows are on a tour of Eastern Canada to celebrate the RCAF’s 100th year. The fly-past in Ottawa is one of a number around the country celebrating the close UK-Canada relationship
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