# Federal Energy Goals for Sustainability and Security

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/federal-energy-goals-for-sustainability-and-security/
- Published: 2014-01-02T20:58:46-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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.

![Federal energy use getting a shift Infographic showing the federal governments
plan to source 20 of its electricity from renewable energy by 2020 with icons of
solar panels wind turbines a government building and a sun on a green background](
https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/C182B225-79EE-43C3-
90E5-57E047C7DC9E.png?resize=300%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "Feds buying renewables -
The Green Living Guy")

Ai image

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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/sc-johnson-exceeds-climate-leaders-greenhouse-gas-reduction-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](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/12/05/presidential-memorandum-federal-leadership-energy-management)

Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 8:45PM

See the White House [fact sheet](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/12/05/fact-sheet-presidential-memorandum-federal-leadership-energy-management)

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

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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