Greening the Capitol
“Today we say that the Capitol will be not just a shining symbol of our democracy, but a symbol of our commitment to the future. Not only by the power of our ideas on energy independence, but by the power of our example, we hope to send
a message to the world and to the country.”
- Speaker Pelosi, June 21, 2007
Addressing global warming and protecting the environment are vital to protecting the health of all Americans, particularly our children. For the sake of our future generations, America must provide strong leadership to reduce emissions that are responsible for global warming. Increasing use of renewable energy sources, including biofuels, and energy efficiency will help reduce emissions, protecting future generations from this global threat.
In less than a year, Green the Capitol efforts have made significant progress. The U.S. House of Representatives will be one of the world's first "carbon neutral" legislative bodies. We are purchasing wind power, using natural gas at the Capitol Power Plant, and as we phase in more carbon efficiencies, purchasing carbon offsets. We are re-lighting the Capitol dome with energy efficient lighting, and our cafeterias have taken steps to green their processes and equipment, including composting all food waste. A new food pulper reduces the weight of cafeteria waste by as much as 70 percent by extracting water from it. The House now sells only 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper, and has installed compact flourescent lights. We are also encouraging green transportation with a bike sharing program and a car sharing program for House employees.
Read a Report from Green the Capitol: Six Months of Progress>>Visit the Green the Capitol Website>>
CHANGE STARTS AT HOME
On March 1, 2007, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and Juanita Millender-McDonald, Chairwoman of the Committee on House Administration wrote to Daniel Beard, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), directing the “greening” of Capitol Hill buildings. On April 19, 2007, Speaker Pelosi was joined by Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in accepting a preliminary report by the CAO on efforts that would reduce the environmental impacts associated with the operations of the House building complex.
The recommendations in the CAO’s preliminary report include:
- Operate the House in a Carbon Neutral Manner
- Shift to 100 percent Renewable Electric Power
- Aggressively Improve Energy Efficiency
- Adoption of Sustainable Business Practices
- Continued Leadership on Sustainability Issues
- Offsets to Ensure Carbon Neutral Operations
Read the executive summary by the CAO (.pdf)>>
Read the full report by the CAO (.pdf) >>
Read the March letter to the CAO>>
FINAL REPORT - GREEN THE CAPITOL INITIATIVE
On June 21st, Speaker Pelosi announced the completion of the final “Green the Capitol” report, which confirms her initial plan to immediately begin reducing the levels of carbon dioxide emitted by House operations and buildings, but also details how the institution will dramatically reduce its overall energy consumption – by 50 percent – in just 10 years.
Two new elements of the final, revised plan also call for the House to purchase carbon offsets, allowing for the investment in carbon dioxide reduction projects elsewhere in the United States, and for day-to-day operations and business practices to not have a negative impact on the environment by using non-toxic cleaning products, increasing water conservation and significantly improving recycling.
The 10-year plan to reduce energy consumption in the House calls for a reduction of 5 percent a year, which is more than twice what the 2005 Energy Policy Act requires of federal buildings.
The dramatic reduction in the House’s reliance on electricity will come from:
- The widespread installation of energy efficient lighting
- The redesign and centralization of computer systems and other electronic office equipment
- The upgrading of all heating and cooling mechanisms to maximize efficiency and meet “green” standards
- The evaluation and improvement of miscellaneous House operations and processes to maximize energy efficiencies
Read the executive summary by the CAO (.pdf)>>
Read the full report by the CAO (.pdf) >>
Read Speaker Pelosi's release on the report>>
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