Energy Conservation
In This Section
EPA's Energy and Water Efficiency Program ensures that the Agency uses natural resources efficiently when designing, constructing, and maintaining its facilities. Originally established to meet the requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) and Executive Order (E.O.) 13123, this program reduces energy consumption by upgrading existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; incorporating energy-efficient and renewable technologies; and relying on aggressive energy-efficiency projects financed through energy savings performance contracts. With more rigorous energy reduction requirements included in E.O. 13423 (which strengthened the requirements included in E.O. 13123) and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), EPA has incorporated additional strategies to reduce energy use, including comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) assessments. Review the sections outlined below for more information.
- Federal Requirements. Examine the federal energy reduction requirements of E.O. 13423, EPAct 2005, E.O. 13123, and EPAct 1992.
- EPA Goals and Strategies. Review EPA's goals and strategies for meeting federal energy reduction requirements.
- Results and Projections. Get an overview of EPA's energy use profile and learn about the Agency's energy conservation achievements. EPA uses this energy consumption data to set priorities for energy audits, mechanical system design and construction projects, and recommissioning efforts.
- Annual Report. Review EPA's FY 2007 Energy Management and Conservation Program report to the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as reports from past years.
- Green Power Purchases. Learn how and where EPA is buying renewable power for its facilities.
- Onsite Renewable Technologies. Learn about the innovative, renewable energy technologies that EPA has installed at its facilities.
- Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs). Find out about this financing mechanism, which EPA has used to improve energy efficiency at minimal costs.
- Commissioning and Recommissioning. Learn how EPA ensures that facilities are built as planned and operate in the safest and most energy-efficient manner possible. With today's complex mechanical and control systems, this is an important component of any energy conservation effort.
- Sustainability Champions. Discover how individual EPA employees are helping to make EPA facilities more energy- and water-efficient.