State and local governments are achieving substantial energy cost savings across their buildings, operations, and fleet vehicles by establishing energy management and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction programs within their own buildings and operations. These efforts save money on energy bills, lower GHG emissions, and demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of clean energy technologies and strategies to the larger market—in effect, leading by example.
State facilities, buildings, and operations are a significant source of energy consumption and associated operating costs. In fact, States spend an estimated $11 billion per year on building energy operating costs. These costs can be as much as 10% of a State’s total operating budget. Local governments face similar fiscal impacts.
In these times of tight economic conditions and continually shrinking budgets, “Lead by Example” programs offer a range of policy initiatives that can help governments and organizations cut energy-related operating costs, while also reducing emissions, demonstrating leadership, and stimulating economic competitiveness. “Lead by Example” programs can help advance clean energy initiatives and achieve cross-cutting goals in emissions reduction and economic development. Further, these programs can showcase successful strategies, while fostering markets and stimulating demand for clean energy technologies and services.
"Lead by Example" programs can be initiated by executive orders from State governors or senior government officials, by legislatures through enacted laws, or by policy or regulatory directives from energy or environmental plans. The most successful programs involve a comprehensive, systematic approach to energy management, including energy efficiency efforts targeting facilities and fleet operations. The goals need to be clear, measurable, and achievable, with sustained top-level leadership.
In addition to building energy efficiency, the “Lead by Example” programs can include the purchase of ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment and appliances, green power purchasing, and on-site energy generation through clean distributed generation and combined heat and power technologies. Other approaches can include innovative financing options, such as revolving loan funds, aggregated purchases and energy-saving performance contracting, beyond energy code targets for new buildings, and tracking program progress and celebrating successes by recognition of champions.
Examples of hundreds of “Lead by Example” programs and various resource materials are available at www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/resources/example.html.
Please share your comments on leading by example with us and other readers of this blog!
The content of this posting was submitted by Brian Henderson, Southeast Regional Coordinator for the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), at bhenderson@naseo.org. Information for this post comes from "State Energy Programs: Projects by Topic – What Are State and Local Government Facility Projects in the States?" U.S. DOE. June 2007.