Federal Energy Goals for Sustainability and Security

Federal Government Sets Ambitious Renewable Energy Target

In a decisive move to lead by example, President Barack Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing federal agencies to source 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. This initiative aims to promote energy security, combat climate change, and protect taxpayer interests by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Strategic Steps Toward Sustainability

To achieve this goal, agencies are encouraged to:

1. Install agency-funded renewable energy projects on-site and retain renewable energy certificates (RECs). 
2. Contract for energy that includes the installation of renewable energy projects on-site or off-site, retaining RECs for the contract term. 
3. Purchase electricity and corresponding RECs. 
4. Purchase RECs alone.

Agencies are also advised to consider opportunities to install or contract for energy on current or formerly contaminated lands, landfills, and mine sites, where feasible.

Emphasis on New Renewable Sources

The memorandum stipulates that 100% of RECs used to meet the renewable energy target must come from new renewable sources, as defined in Section 5(c) of the memorandum. This ensures that the federal government’s renewable energy consumption supports the development of new clean energy projects.

Building Performance and Energy Management

Beyond renewable energy procurement, the memorandum directs agencies to enhance building performance and energy management by:

1. Encouraging the use of the Green Button data access system for energy consumption data. 
2. Utilizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Portfolio Manager for benchmarking building energy performance. 

These tools aim to improve agencies’ ability to manage energy consumption, promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve sustainability goals.

Accountability and Progress Tracking

Agencies are required to report progress toward meeting the renewable energy targets in their Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans. The Department of Energy will issue updated guidance to address the new requirements and assist agencies in achieving the set goals.

Leading by Example

This memorandum builds upon previous efforts, including Executive Order 13514, which set aggressive sustainability goals for federal agencies. By setting a clear renewable energy target, the federal government demonstrates leadership in transitioning to a clean energy economy, aiming to inspire similar actions in the private sector and among state and local governments.

Source: Presidential Memorandum – Federal Leadership on Energy Management

Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 8:45PM

See the White House fact sheet

Source: U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

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