Blinken names John Bass Chief Sustainability Officer

WASHINGTON – Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken has named Secretary for Management, John R. Bass as Chief Sustainability Officer as part of efforts to tackle worsening climate crisis.

“There has never been a more urgent moment.  That is why I have designated Under Secretary for Management John R. Bass as the Department’s Chief Sustainability Officer”, he said. 

 In this role, the CoS he will lead the Department’s efforts to advance the rigorous federal climate and sustainability ambitions and priorities set by the Administration under Executive Orders 14008 and 14057.  

According to him, Under Secretary Bass will set  the vision for and  oversee implementation of the Department’s sustainability, adaptation, and resilience goals.

He will be supported by the Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer who leads the Greening Diplomacy Initiative within the Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, as well as the Climate and Sustainability Working Group comprising multiple Department bureaus and offices.

Blinken said the Department is building on more than a decade of climate actions that have curbed emissions, enhanced climate adaptation, and made “our operations more sustainable”, he said, adding that the department is proud to be the premier federal agency in terms of harnessing renewable energy in our domestic operations and are working to electrify our fleet at home and abroad.  

“Our embassies and consulates are built to be U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certified or better, so we can ensure our facilities are resilient and highlight innovative U.S. technologies.  

“We are also advancing sustainability and resilience in our overseas operations through actions like installing rainwater harvesting systems in drought-stricken areas and installing on-site renewable energy”, he said, stressing that  he has full confidence that Under Secretary Bass will take the department’s efforts to the next level and demonstrate the Department’s full commitment to leading by example in tackling the climate crisis.