Lower electric lighting and cooling loads and boost
productivity through increased use of daylighting
Achieve fast returns and set a strong example by
installing energy-efficient lighting.
Government Energy Use Is Taxing to Voters
State and local governments spend more than $11 billion
annually on fixed-site energy costs, while the federal government
is the nation's single largest consumer of energy. Even though energy
bills can eat up to 10% of a government's annual operating budget,
saving energy isn't always a top priority for voters, who simply
don't like their tax dollars spent on improving government buildings.
Reducing building-related energy costs is, however,
a top priority for federal government building managers and operators.
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandates a 35% drop in energy use
by 2010 for all federal buildings.
The Good News?
Smart choices about energy in government buildings can set a very
powerful and very public example of energy efficiency and environmental
stewardship. And every dollar saved on energy costs means more government
funds can be diverted to other good uses, such as education, crime
prevention, or national security.
New high-performance government buildings—designed to save
energy and reduce environmental impact—can cost up to 50% less
to operate than traditionally designed buildings. These buildings
serve as showcases for energy-efficient lighting, building envelope
features, and heating and cooling systems. They also incorporate
the latest renewable energy systems, water conservation features,
recycling and waste management systems, and use of environmentally
sensitive building products and systems.
Existing government buildings offer the same opportunity for reducing
operating costs and demonstrating innovative technologies. From
firehouses and libraries to offices and police stations, government
buildings can benefit from targeted energy improvements. Space heating,
lighting, and water heating tend to consume the most energy in these
buildings, and replacement of old boilers, lighting systems, and
other inefficient systems can save up to 30% annually.
DOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
helps to reduce the cost of government by advancing energy efficiency,
water conservation, and use of solar and other renewable energy
technologies. FEMP provides guidelines and tools to help federal
facilities save energy and money.
At the state and local level, state
energy offices help support state government building projects,
while the National Association
of State Energy Officials (NASEO) provides a forum for the exchange
of information and ideas. The National
Conference of State Legislatures researches and advises state
legislatures on various issues including energy policy. The National
Association of Counties (NACo) has initiated a County Energy
Efficiency Network, designed to leverage resources and provide technical
assistance, localized training, support staff, and financial assistance
to counties implementing cost-saving energy management strategies.
NACo also supports Public Technology,
Inc., an organization that helps city and county governments
implement new and emerging technologies.
The benefits of energy improvements go well beyond the utility
bills. Improvements to the building environment, such as increased
use of natural light and improved indoor air quality, have been
shown to increase productivity and lower absenteeism—changes
that please employees and voters alike.
