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The Sustainability Program Area includes the latest guidance, examples, and information resources to aid Federal facilities in developing and maintaining sustainable facilities and helping to develop and promote sustainable practices within their environmental programs or activities.
Both Executive Order (EO) 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management, dated 24 January 2007 and EO 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance, dated 5 October 2009 include sustainable practices which Federal agencies are urged to implement. In addition, EO 13423 and 13514 established the following processes and management tools to aid in the implementation of the sustainable practices detailed in the EOs:
Every Federal agency is required to develop and submit to the CEQ Chair and the OMB Director an agency-specific Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan on 2 June 2010. This plan is also required to be updated annually.
EO 13514, Section 19 provides the following definitions applicable to this Program Area:
- Agency - an executive agency as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, excluding the Government Accountability Office (EO 13514, Section 19(b)).
- Sustainability and Sustainable - to create and maintain conditions, under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic, and other requirement of present and future generations of Americans (EO 13423, Section 9 and EO 13514, Section 19(l)).
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and procurement, please see the Acquisition Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and chemical management, please see the Chemical Management Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and electronics stewardship, please see the Electronics Stewardship Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and EMS, please see the EMS Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and energy, please see the Energy Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and greenhouse gases (GHG), please see the Greenhouse Gases Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and high performance buildings, please see the High Performance Buildings Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and natural resources, please see the Natural Resources Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and NEPA, please see the NEPA Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and pollution prevention, please see the Pollution Prevention Program Area.
For guidance pertaining to EO 13514 and transportation, please see the Transportation Program Area.
Please use the links above to quickly jump to the information area needed or scroll down to view all items.
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Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management
24 January 2007
Executive Order 13423 "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management", signed by President Bush on January 24, 2007. The order sets goals in the areas of energy efficiency, acquisition, renewable energy, toxics reductions, recycling, renewable energy, sustainable buildings, electronics stewardship, fleets, and water conservation. In addition the order requires more widespread use of Environmental Management Systems as the framework in which to manage and continually improve these sustainable practices.
Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance
5 October 2009
This EO sets sustainability goals for Federal agencies and focuses on making improvements in their environmental, energy and economic performance. The Executive Order requires Federal agencies to set a 2020 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target within 90 days; increase energy efficiency; reduce fleet petroleum consumption; conserve water; reduce waste; support sustainable communities; and leverage Federal purchasing power to promote environmentally-responsible products and technologies.
This act, signed on 14 December 2010 tasks GSA with the responsibility to identify the core competencies necessary for Federal personnel performing building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety, and design functions to comply with requirements under Federal law. ( Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010)
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United Nations Conference on Environment & Development Rio de Janerio, Brazil, 3 to 14 June 1992
Identifies a series of developmental and environmental objectives. It reflects a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment cooperation. Its successful implementation is first and foremost the responsibility of Governments. National strategies, plans, policies and processes are crucial in achieving this. International cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts. In this context, the United Nations system has a key role to play. Other international, regional and subregional organizations are also called upon to contribute to this effort. The broadest public participation and the active involvement of the non-governmental organizations and other groups should also be encouraged.
This contains a comprehensive set of criteria and indicators for use by policy-makers, forest managers, and the general public.
Identifies 15 principles which reflect the first global consensus on forests. It is Annex 3 of the Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3 – 14 June 1992.
This core set of 58 indicators and methodology were derived from working list of 134 indicators and related methodology sheets that were developed, improved and tested as part of the implementation of the Work Programme on Indicators of Sustainable Development (ISDs) adopted by the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) at its Third Session in April 1995 and presented to the CSD in 2001. These indicators are under review with an updated expected in 2006.
Identified 27 principles of sustainability. It is Annex 1 of the Report of the United Nations Conference on Environmenta and Development (Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992).
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This policy was released in response to a request in the FY 2010 President's budget. In developing the policy, EPA reached out to federal, state, and local officials to obtain input. This policy emphasizes the need to build on existing efforts to promote sustainable water infrastructure, working with states and water systems to employ robust, comprehensive planning processes to deliver projects that are cost effective over their life cycle, resource efficient, and consistent with community sustainability goals. The policy encourages communities to develop sustainable systems that employ effective utility management practices to build and maintain the level of technical, financial, and managerial capacity necessary to ensure long-term sustainability. This policy represents a collaborative effort between EPA and its federal, state, and local partners.
This document outlines the activities that the EPA will undertake to help communities implement green infrastructure approaches. EPA's strategy focuses on clarifying how green infrastructure can and should be used within the regulatory and enforcement contexts, outreach and information exchange, financing, and tool development and capacity building.
A part of the Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings MOU, paragraph III of this January 2006 document requires that Federal facilities employ strategies that in aggregate use a minimum of 20 percent less potable water than the indoor water use baseline calculated for the building, after meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements. For outdoor water use it promotes the use of water efficient landscape and irrigation strategies, including water reuse and recycling, to reduce outdoor potable water consumption by a minimum of 50 percent over that consumed by conventional means (plant species and plant densities).
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and GSA have worked collaboratively to create this document, which proposes specific food, nutrition, and sustainability guidelines to complement the GSA procurement guidelines. The goal of these guidelines is to assist contractors in maximizing a healthier and more sustainable food service by increasing the offering of healthier and sustainable food and beverage choices, while eliminating industrially produced trans fats, decreasing the sodium content in available foods, and allowing people to make informed choices about what they are purchasing and eating through the labeling of menu items.
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This crosswalk, dated 2 December 2009 was developed by DOE's Office of Environmental Policy and Assistance. The crosswalk aligns goals and targets from E.O. 13514, E.O. 13423, and statutes, in order to assist federal managers in identifying current requirements.
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Searchable database contains over 2150 proven solutions from more than 140 countries to the common social, economic and environmental problems of an urbanizing world. It demonstrates the practical ways in which public, private and civil society sectors are working together to improve governance, eradicate poverty, provide access to shelter, land and basic services, protect the environment and support economic development.
The Engineers Forum on Sustainability meets 3 times a year with the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and publishes a Newsletter highlighting the issues, developments and activities discussed at each Forum meeting.
A monthly newsletter from the US EPA with information about activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference in their homes, communities, and offices.
A resource directory for local governments to use in developing and implementing climate change initiatives. This guide includes information on, among many other items, how the U.S. EPA can help with:
- greening transportation;
- land-use decisions and building construction requirements;
- improving recycling;
- conserving water; and
- using more efficient and renewable energy
A bi-monthly newsletter issued by the Izaak Walton League Sustainability Education Program.
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Fostering Sustainable Behavior is a resource that includes case studies in the areas of conservation, energy efficiency, transportation, waste reduction, and water efficiency. The full text of Fostering Sustainable Behavior is also available on the sight. Author and site manager, Doug McKenzie-Mohr has presented on the same topic at GovEnergy. The site also includes discussion forums on how to encourage change toward more sustainable behaviors.
This is an online resource to help the commercial building sector implement "green leases"-rental agreements that encourage energy efficiency. The library include sample lease language, guidance, and best practices case studies.
A comprehensive list of internet sites dealing with sustainable development, including organisations, projects and activities, electronic journals, libraries, references and documents, databases, directories or metadatabases.
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Technical report released March, 2011, by the Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Installations, addressing direct measurement of sustainability through sustainability indicators. Presented by Dr. Chris Rewerts, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, at the 2011 GreenGov Symposium.
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The Alliance is a stakeholder-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. The Alliance creates and maintains a web-based water conservation clearinghouse that offers product information, best practices specifications, research reports, training materials, program descriptions, codes and standards, program evaluation tools, drought planning and response, and professional expertise.
The AIA COTE annually selects its "Top Ten" examples of architectural and "green" design solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
The Committee on Sustainability shall ensure the Society maintains a leadership role in civil engineering-related sustainability. The Committee shall provide general oversight and management of ASCE's sustainability initiatives and programs. The Committee shall provide general management of ASCE's goals relative to sustainability and assist in developing policies, programs and initiatives.
The BMRA is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to facilitate building deconstruction and the reuse/recycling of recovered building materials.
CSE is an international advisory, coaching, and training organization that provides sustainable development tools and strategies to public and private sector clients.
When the United National Forum on Forests was formed in 2 002, this group was also formed to cooperate on forest issues and support the work of the UNFF. This is an interagency partnership to support the work of the UNFF and enhance cooperation and coordination on forest issues for the promotion of sustainable management of all types of forests.
The CHP Partnership collaborates with other government and nongovernmental agencies and programs that are interested in promoting the benefits of combined heat and power (CHP) for Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs). CHP is a reliable, cost-effective option for POTWs that have, or are planning to install, anaerobic digesters. Biogas flow from these digesters can be used in a CHP system as "free" fuel to generate reliable electricity and power for the WWTF.
The goals of the Diesel Technology Forum are:
· Champion environmental stewardship.
· Support scientific inquiry and discussion.
· Sustain worldwide economic growth by demonstrating advancing diesel technology.
· Work with federal, state, and regional governments and organizations to explore clean diesel solutions.
· Advise policymakers and other stakeholders on innovative ways to increase the use of cleaner engines and fuels and reduce energy consumption.
· Undertake technology demonstration programs and play a leadership role in the implementation of new diesel initiatives.
· Ensure that all environmental, health, economic and technological ramifications of policy options are explored publicly
The ECOS-DoD Sustainability Work Group serves as a focal point within ECOS for dialogue on sustainability issues with regards to DoD installations and as a forum in which ECOS and DoD can discuss and address issues related to sustainability at DoD facilities.
This program promotes the use of integrated, whole building approaches to protect occupant health while saving energy and money. The program focuses on major building types including offices and institutional buildings, schools, homes, as well as major cross-cutting indoor air quality issues like mold and moisture. EPA offers resources from informational pamphlets to interactive CD-ROMs on how everyone from builders to homeowners can improve their indoor environment.
Established in 2003, the network aims to accelerate the use of the Ecological Footprint Tool, a resource accounting tool that measures how much nature we have, how much we use, and who uses what.Ecological Footprints can be calculated for individuals, groups of people (such as a nation), and activities (such as manufacturing a product). The Ecological Footprint is a data-driven metric that tells us how close we are to the goal of sustainable living. Footprint accounts work like bank statements, documenting whether we are living within our ecological budget or consuming nature's resources faster than the planet can renew them.
Founded by President Gorbachev, this is a national environmental organization addressing the following three challenges: stemming global climate change; eliminating weapons of mass destruction; and providing clean, safe drinking water for the 2.4 billion people who lack access to clean water.
This is a United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP)-facilitated knowledge network of developing world Centres of Excellence and network partners, renowned for their work on energy, development, and environment issues.
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' mission is to increase the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roof infrastructure across North America and rapidly advance the development of the market for green roof products and services.
The Alliance is designed to help preserve natural resources and prevent waste and pollution by encouraging companies, government agencies, and other entities to make more holistic decisions regarding waste generation and disposal and the use of the land, water, pesticides, and energy. By focusing on the "4 Rs"—reduce, reuse, recycle, and rebuy—this program can help improve both an organization's bottom-line and the environment. GreenScapes will promote practices and products that still meet users needs but have better environmental profiles than current methods. GreenScapes will develop resources such as technical assistance publications, workshops, and a Web site.
A national network of green building professionals, environmental and health activists, socially responsible investment advocates and others who are interested in promoting healthier building materials as a means of improving public health and preserving the global environment.
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability was founded in 1990 by local governments at the United Nations Headquarters in New York as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). ICLEI is a democratically governed membership association of cities, towns, counties, metropolitan governments, and local government associations.
ILSR has researched the feasibility of communities generating a significant amount of wealth from local resources and has worked with the increasing numbers of communities interested in moving in that direction.
This organization is the result of an initiative launched in June 1994 among non-European temperate and boreal countries to develop and implement internationally agreed criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. The 12 member countries are: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Russian Federation, United States of America, and Uruguay The focus of the group is to advance the development and implementation of internationally agreed criteria and indicators for the conservation and sustainable management of temperate and boreal forests (outside Europe) at the national level.
Sponsored by the U.S. Army Environmental Policy Institute, the mission of Move Beyond Green is to enable conversation, connection, and exchange of ideas on the topic of sustainability and to build relationships and interaction between interested and informed parties around the world. It is their goal to connect a wide range of bodies of knowledge that can inform discussion and to provide a forum to facilitate that discussion as part of a robust community of interest around the topic of sustainability.
The mission of the NRDC is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC has 6 main priorities: curbing global warming; moving America beyond oil; saving wildlands across the Americas; reviving our oceans; stemming the tide of toxic chemicals; and speeding the greening of China.
This is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help communities nationwide improve access to affordable housing, increase transportation options, and lower transportation costs while protecting the environment. The partnership was formed on June 16, 2009.
This web portal is a top favorite of green building experts. It links to tools, references, guidelines, and success stories for many important sustainability topics. Please add it to your favorites list.
The intent of this initiative is to provide standards and guidelines for measuring the sustainability of designed landscapes, including commercial and public sites, residential landscapes, parks and recreation centers, campuses, roadsides, and utility corridors. Participating stakeholder organizations include: American Society of Landscape Architects; Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center; United States Botanic Garden; American Society of Civil Engineers - Environment and Water Resources Institute; Center for Sustainable Development, University of Texas at Austin; United States Green Building Council; National Association of County and CIty Health Officials; Environmental Protection Agency - GreenScapes Program; National Recreation and Parks Association; and The Nature Conservancy - Global Invasive Species.
The intent of this effort is to provide a framework that, when implemented in an area, can achieve measurable emissions reductions and promote sustainability in urban environments.
ISWG was established in August 2001 and is coordinated by the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Federal Energy Management Program and operates under the auspices of the Interagency Energy Management Task Force. The group includes over 200 members representing 20 major and a number of independent Federal agencies. Main ISWG functions include:
- Serving as a forum for the exchange of information among Federal agencies' sustainable design activities.
- Identifying and proposing solutions to barriers for adoption of sustainable design in the Federal sector.
The site posts bi-monthly meeting reports, presentations, a listing of pending Federal sustainable design projects (culled from the Commerce Business Daily), a listing of future events, and other informational resources.
IDRC is a Canadian public corporation created to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic, and environmental problems they face. Support is directed toward developing an indigenous research capacity to sustain policies and technologies that developing countries need to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.
The IISD contributes to sustainable development by advancing policy recommendations on international trade and investment, economic policy, climate change, measurement and assessment, and natural resources management. The Institute is in the business of promoting change towards sustainable development. Through research and effective communication of IISD findings, the IISD engages decision-makers in government, business, NGOs and other sectors to develop and implement policies that are simultaneously beneficial to the global economy, the global environment and to social well-being.
This is a joint U.S. EPA - Arizona State University partnership formed to bring together researchers of various disciplines in developing the next generation of urban materials to reduce the dependence on non-renewable energy and adverse impacts to the urban climate. The center seeks to develop a new generation of sustainable materials and renewable technology innovations (SMART Innovations), with funding support from the EPA. The National Center of Excellence will be the leading national research and outreach laboratory in supporting regional governments and industry in meeting the needs of rapid urbanization and infrastructure.
Established by the UN General Assembly in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit. The Commission is responsible for reviewing progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; as well as providing policy guidance to follow up the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI) at the local, national, regional and international levels.
Established in 2002 to provide a forum that would address all issues related to forests in a coherent and comprehensive manner and a forum that would facilitate the exchange of experiences in the implementation of sustainable forest management practices by Governments and stakeholders. UNFF meets annually for two weeks and all Member States of the United Nations and States members of specialized agencies participate in the annual sessions.
The Division for Sustainable Development provides leadership and is an authoritative source of expertise within the United Nations system on sustainable development. It promotes sustainable development as the substantive secretariat to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and through technical cooperation and capacity building at international, regional and national levels. The context for the Division’s work is the implementation of Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the Barbados Programme of Action for Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.
UNEP is the designated authority of the United Nations system in environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.
A coalition of 175 international companies united by a shared commitment to sustainable development via the three pillars of economic growth, ecological balance and social progress.
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The GreenGov Awards recognize exceptional efforts to promote sustainable operations at Federal agencies in the categories of Good Neighbor; Building the Future; Green Dream Team; Green Innovation; Lean, Clean and Green; and Sustainability Hero.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in smart growth by tribal, state, local, or regional governments in five categories: Overall Excellence in Smart Growth, Smart Growth and Green Building, Programs, Policies and Regulations, Rural Smart Growth, and Civic Places.
The GreenGov Awards recognize exceptional efforts to promote sustainable operations at Federal agencies in the categories of Good Neighbor; Building the Future; Green Dream Team; Green Innovation; Lean, Clean and Green; and Sustainability Hero.
Sponsored by the U.S. DOE Sustainability Performance Office (SPO), the DOE Sustainability Awards recognize outstanding sustainability contributions of individuals and teams at DOE sites. These awards recognize the achievements of DOE employees whose leadership and cost-reducing initiatives have saved taxpayer money by reducing the Department's use of energy, water, and paper, while improving the energy efficiency of federal buildings and vehicles.
This national competition enables college students to research, develop and design scientific, technical and policy solutions to sustainability challenges. Their designs will help achieve the mutual goals of economic prosperity while providing a higher quality of life and protecting the planet.
This award is given to recognize efforts to ensure mission accomplishment and protection of human health through implementation of environmental management systems, pollution prevention, and environmental compliance that promotes sustainability in the areas of environmental planning, waste management, and land, air and water resource protection. These are annual awards celebrating the previous years' accomplishments/innovations. Nominations are typically accepted until March and the awards given in June.
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Developed by the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Center for International Earth Science Information Network of Columbia University, The Environmental Sustainability Index(ESI) benchmarks the ability of nations to protect the environment over the next several decades. The report discusses the approach to developing the EIS, the main findings, and projections for future directions.
This report, dated April 2010, was issued by the Department of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration. The report presents definitions and estimates of the size of the green economy. The report also finds that the green economy makes up about 1 to 2 percent of the total economy and is poised for strong growth.
Issued by the USDA, this report addresses the state of the forests in the United States and the indicators of national progress toward the goal of sustainable forest management.
Information resources to help ports comply with environmental regulations and improve the sustainability of their operations. Developed by EPA Region 2.
The Sustainable Sites Initiative's aim in this document is to describe benchmarks that are based on sustainable outcomes rather than on strict prescriptions and specific technology, thereby encouraging innovation, inspiring a change in thinking, and providing flexibility. This document encompasses a series of prerequisites and credits for measuring site sustainability. Benchmarks outlined under prerequisites are required and must be met in order for a site to participate in this voluntary program.
Benchmarks outlined under credits are optional, but a certain number of them must be attained for a project to achieve eventual recognition as a Sustainable Site.
Creating a sustainable world means creating new ways for people to live and thrive — while keeping the planet's ecosystems and the global social tissue healthy and able to sustain us and future generations. Our principles of sustainability drive path-breaking models and tools that pass these three tests: Is it good for the organization, good for society and good for the environment?
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The pre-publication copy of this report was issued in April 2011. In 2010, the U.S. General Services Administration's Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings asked the National Academies to appoint an ad hoc committee of experts to conduct a public workshop and prepare a report that identifies strategies and approaches for achieving a range of objectives associated with federal high-performance green buildings. This report captures the ideas and brain-storming from that workshop.
EPA Document Number EPA 530-C-09-003 is written for federal managers and staff who have responsibility over the areas of program and resource management, facilities and fleet management, purchasing and federal bankcard management, contracts and grants management. The ESRG can be used as an outreach tool, a training tool and as a resource for what is required, what actions can be taken, what resources are available to take those actions, what training is available and what EPA and other federal agencies are doing. It includes sample outreach brochures, presentations, and other materials to assist you in getting support for and implementing your environmental stewardship practices.
This site identifies opportunities for environmental stewardship for individuals, communities, governments, businesses, and institutions. It also includes quick tips for practicing environmental stewardship at your home, office, school, community, and while shopping.
Section 8 of EO 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance required each Federal agency to develop, implement, and annually update an integrated Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan. The initial plan was submitted to CEQ by 2 June 2010. This plan prioritizes agency actions for achieving environmental, economic, and energy goals detailed in EO 13514.
Released by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) on 31 October 2011, this guidance describes strategies to achieve sustainable Federal landscape practices. This guidance is to be used by Federal agencies for landscape practices when constructing new, or rehabilitating existing, owned or leased facilities, or when landscaping improvements are otherwise planned.
This guidance was developed under the executive order issued by President Obama in May 2009, which declared the Chesapeake Bay a national treasure and ushered in a new era of shared federal leadership, action and accountability. It presents the most effective tools and practices to address nonpoint source pollution that is currently contributing nutrients and sediments from federal land management activity in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The categories of activity that are addressed in this guidance are agriculture, urban and suburban (including turf), forestry, riparian areas, decentralized wastewater treatment systems, and hydromodification. The same techniques can be utilized by states, local governments, conservation districts, watershed organizations, developers, farmers and citizens in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Issued by GSA on 30 September 2010, this is Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) 10-06. This bulletin provides guidance to federal employees of agencies subject to the FTR to enhance travel cost savings and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Guiding Principles of Sustainable Design published by the US Department of Interior and National Park Service.
The document begins with a review of LID, its purpose and methods. It also includes numerous examples of the application of LID at DOD training areas. It then devotes the majority of its pages to a set of fact sheets on such topics as "Secondary Roads", "Small Weapons Firing Ranges", "Maneuver Corridors", and "Bioretention Technology". It ends with good number of plans and drawings for the hard-corps planning/engineering staff.
Overview of the policy and program promoting sustainability at NASA.
Since 2006, OMB has used the scorecard process to evaluate Federal agencies' performance in achieving energy, transportation, and environmental goals. To streamline the evaluation process, make it more transparent, and align it with the goals of Executive Order 13514, OMB combined past scorecard metrics into a single OMB Sustainability/ Energy scorecard. Through the OMB scorecard process, agencies are assessed on energy and water intensity reductions; fleet petroleum reduction; greenhouse gas emissions; green building practices; and, renewable energy use. Agencies are also evaluated on their progress towards implementing additional statutory or Executive Order targets and goals reflected in their annual Sustainability Plans, such as green purchasing and electronics stewardship. CEQ and OMB work with agency leadership to craft strategies for improvement and provide additional support and assistance as needed.
The USDA Sustainable Operations Council leads the way in reducing the Department's environmental footprint by developing new policies and procedures that will insure that USDA conducts its activities in an environmentally, fiscally sound, and sustainable manner in accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) 13423. Sustainable Operations work groups include EMS, green purchasing, transportation, and facilities. This site links to USDA policies, award winners, and implementation examples.
Developed by the USDA National Agricultural Library, this site provides a definition for sustainable agriculture and well as links to resources, research studies, organizations, and case studies.
This site provides information and guidance on sustainability in three areas: Sustainable Design & Development, Sustainable Operations, and Sustainable Communities. Each page shows how sustainability can be implemented from different perspectives, namely, new construction, operations, and installation management.
This site links to information about how sustainability is being integrated into the Army and specific programs and projects being implemented at Army installations.
Policies, principles and process used in moving toward the goal of sustainability at USDA.
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Issued by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), this report, dated 1 December 2008, highlights combined heat and power (CHP) as a realistic solution to enhance national energy efficiency, ensure environmental quality, promote economic growth, and foster a robust energy infrastructure.
This EPA publication, dated January 2008, helps utilities systematically assess their current energy costs and practices, set measurable performance improvement goals, and monitor and measure their progress over time. The guidance follows the successful Plan-Do-Check-Act methodology embodied in environmental management systems and other utility management tools. It was developed with the help of utilities that are successfully confronting their own energy challenges using this approach. It will serve as a step-by-step guide to help utilities systematically manage their energy programs over time.
These webcasts show lawn care practices that will reduce pesticide and nutrient risks to human health and the environment. Topics include: mowing, watering, soil testing, runoff control, aeration, and pest control.
The intent of this site is to better communicate the what, why, and how of green infrastructure to municipalities, developers, and the general public. Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments. The site offers publications and tools developed by EPA, state and local governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions. The site also provides access to the latest research developed by EPA's Office of Research and Development.
Through the ICORE project, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) provides technical assistance to water and wastewater treatment facilities and businesses to reduce water and energy consumption; wastewater generation; and carbon emissions. This presentation focuses on the first two years of ICORE, covering activities, obstacles, and achievements, as well as example(s) of technologies and case studies relevant to the project.
Numerous municipal wastewater treatment facilities have successfully incorporated CHP systems into their operations, employing a variety of technologies and biogas utilization options. These case studies demonstrate the benefits and operational characteristics of CHP systems at various POTWs.
This series provides EPA and state permitting and enforcement professionals with a guide to integrating green infrastructure approaches into NPDES wet weather programs. The series consists of six factsheets and four supplements addressing general accountability considerations; CSOs; SSOs; stormwater; TMDLs; and water quality standards. The series includes sample language and case studies to illustrate the concepts discussed.
Issued by EPA, this handbook will help utilities ensure that water infrastructure projects across the nation, including those funded through the state revolving fund programs, are sustainable and support the long-term sustainability of the communities these utilities serve. The handbook describes four core elements where utilities can explicitly build sustainability considerations into their existing planning processes. Each element contains relevant examples from utilities around the country and other implementation tips for utilities to consider.
Issued by the EPA Office of Water, this guide is designed to help owners, operators, and managers of community water systems (CWSs) serving 3,300 or fewer persons understand the full costs of providing a safe and adequate supply of drinking water to their customers and how to set water rates that reflect those costs. The document number for this guide is EPA 816-R-05-006 and the guide is dated January 2006.
The U.S. EPA has issued a compilation of case studies, Gaining Operational and Managerial Efficiencies Through Water System Partnerships, to highlight various approaches small drinking water systems have taken to improve their technical and financial capacity by partnering with other water systems. This report presents examples of different partnership options ranging from informal arrangements, such as sharing equipment, to transferring ownership of a system through consolidation.
EPA document number EPA 841-B-09-001, December 2009, was developed by the US EPA Office of Water. This stormwater guidance document implements Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 and EO 13514 Section 14. The document was developed in conjunction with other federal agencies and provides a step-by-step framework that will help federal agencies maintain pre-development site hydrology by retaining rainfall on-site through infiltration, evaporation/transpiration, and re-use to the same extent as occurred prior to development. The Technical Guidance provides background information, key definitions, case studies, and guidance on meeting the new requirements.
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This is a checklist consisting of three sections, twenty-eight categories, one hundred and forty-two data points, all aimed at determining how your village, town or city is really doing in its efforts to be "green." It is addressing climate change, sustainability, and environmental health at the local level. The website provides ready-to-go policy solutions, program ideas and links to the most innovative, cost-effective and award-winning solutions from entities that have found their "piece of the puzzle."
The Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Campaign promotes a participatory, long-term, strategic planning process that helps municipalities identify local sustainability priorities and implement long-term action plans.
This site is designed to empower individuals and communities as they recover from hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters by providing resources and tools that can help rebuild communities, businesses, and homes using sustainable principles and technologies. Operation Fresh Start is a project of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT).
This handbook is designed to aid municipalities in going green by sharing success stories and approaches to becoming sustainable.
Considered one of the top U.S. cities for sustainability, their website, programs, and policies.
This interagency guide includes a description of tools and techniques for applying smart growth guidelines, with case studies illustrating the guidelines in action. For example, communities can (1) protect and restore natural buffers between the community and water; (2) align natural hazard planning with development plans; (3) promote waterfront revitalization, including retrofitting historic properties for new uses; and (4) provide a variety of land and water-based options that accommodate seasonal fluctuations in transportation needs. This guide was developed by EPA, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the International City/County Management Association and the Rhode Island Sea Grant Program, in consultation with the national Smart Growth Network.
Developed by EPA’s Development, Community, and Environment Division (DCED) , EPA Region 1’s Smart Growth Program, Federal Facilities Restoration and Reuse Office (FFRRO) , and the Land Revitalization Office addresses the steps, procedures, and possibilities for a successful base closure that does not devastate nearby communities.
Released by the National Research Council this 2011 report examines a wide range of reuse applications, including potable water, non-potable urban and industrial uses, irrigation, groundwater recharge, and ecological enhancement. With recent advances in technology and design, treating municipal wastewater and reusing it for drinking water, irrigation, industry, and other applications could significantly increase the nation's total available water resources, particularly in coastal areas facing water shortages, says a new report from the National Research Council. It adds that the reuse of treated wastewater, also known as reclaimed water, to augment drinking water supplies has significant potential for helping meet future needs. Moreover, new analyses suggest that the possible health risks of exposure to chemical contaminants and disease-causing microbes from wastewater reuse do not exceed, and in some cases may be significantly lower than, the risks of existing water supplies.
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This document is from the GSA Public Building Service and provides an overview of the GSA process for Federal real property disposal.
Published by the GSA Office of Real Property Utilization and Disposal, this document provides landholding Agencies and GSA Utilization and Disposal Realty Specialists with an easy-to-use framework for explaining compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and executive orders applicable to the acceptance and disposal of Federal real property. Landholding Agencies are encouraged to use this handbook as an informational tool when completing the Excess Real Property Checklist.
This report, released by the National Trust's Preservation Green Lab provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the potential environmental benefit of building reuse. The report uses a life cycle assessment approach to compare the environmental impacts from reuse of existing buildings with demolition and construction of new buildings.
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This resource provides direction and guidance for land use collaboration by military installations and local governments in order to address issues of encroachment and sustainability that impact both the military and civilian communities. The 28-page primer presents information in an easy-to-understand format. It was developed by the International City/County Management Association and the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech in partnership with the Sustainable Ranges Initiative in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
This guide, officially titled Working to Preserve Farm, Forest and Ranch Lands: A Guide for Military Installations is a new resource for military installation leadership. It provides information about programs and potential partners for installations seeking to preserve farm, forest and ranch lands as compatible neighbors. The 20-page guide presents information in an easy-to-understand format and could be useful for other federal agencies that concentrate on preservation of working lands. It was developed by the American Farmland Trust in
partnership with the Sustainable Ranges Initiative in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
For additional information, see www.denix.osd.mil/SustainableRanges
Subtitled: “A Guide for Military Installations and State Legislators” this is a new primer designed to provide guidance to DoD officials and military base commanders on how state governments operate in making land use decisions that may affect the military testing and training mission. Policy options addressing encroachment concerns are included. The 24-page primer presents information in an easy-to-understand format. It was developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures in partnership with the Sustainable Ranges Initiative in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
An issue paper developed in EPA's former Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation.
A library of past Federal Green Challenge Webinars.
Offered by EPA, this webinar includes an overview of TRI P2 reporting requirements, tips for completing the P2 section of the Form R, a discussion of how EPA uses the P2 information collected under TRI, and perspectives on TRI and sustainability from EPA's Pollution Prevention Program. This was originally presented on 6 June 2012.
This training is offered by EPA. Many policy and management decisions are made without considering the goods and services humans derive from ecosystems and the costs associated with protecting them. This approach is not sustainable. Conceptual frameworks provide a tool for capturing, visualizing, and organizing the connections among human decisions, the pressures that socio-economic factors create on the environment, and the potential consequences for provisioning of ecosystem goods and services. By thinking about the whole system within a systems framework, scientists, stakeholders, and decision-makers can better anticipate how elements in the system are linked together. This set of tutorials provides 1) an overview of incorporating systems thinking into decision-making, 2) an introduction to the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework as one approach that can assist in the decision analysis process, and 3) an overview of DPSIR tools, including concept mapping and keyword lists, which can be helpful in generating a DPSIR.
This guide is designed to: help DoD officials and military installation commanders gain a better understanding of how land trusts operate, and how they can work together to protect military operations; and facilitate communication and potential collaboration among stakeholders on encroachment issues.
A resource guide that presents helpful information for installation leaders who seek to work with local government officials to address encroachment, compatible land use and other sustainability issues that threaten the testing and training mission. It was developed by the International City/County Management Association and the National Association of Counties in partnership with the Sustainable Ranges Initiative in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
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October 2012
November 2012
February 2013
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Sep 4, 2012
Aug 13, 2012
Aug 8, 2012
Aug 1, 2012
Jul 30, 2012
Jul 13, 2012
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Executive Order 13514
