The Department of Energy (DOE) Headquarters (HQ) takes seriously its responsibilities to reduce consumption of energy and raw materials and reduce generation of waste. DOE HQ has taken significant steps toward meeting its responsibilities to save money and protect the environment, as well as a way to “Lead by Example” other DOE field operations, and operations of other Federal agencies.
The operation of the Germantown, MD DOE HQ facility is more energy efficient and customer focused through the use of a Performance Agreement for Energy Management. The agreement includes energy efficient projects, initiatives, programs, partnerships and surveys to meet specific performance objectives. The innovation is the development and implementation of performance measures to cost effectively meet or exceed all applicable Executive Orders and Federal regulations for energy efficiency, as well as for the use of renewable energy and water conservation at DOE HQ facility.
The performance agreement achievements are reviewed at the end of each fiscal year. A report is issued on DOE results against specific objectives to sustain efforts through fiscal year 2010, complying with E.O. 13123, Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy Management.
DOE’s report card for fiscal year 2002 reflects a 41 percent reduction in energy consumption at the Germantown facility, which is comprised of 8 buildings totaling 600,000 gross square feet, when compared to the baseline year of fiscal year 1985. E.O. 13123 required a 35 percent reduction by fiscal year 2010 compared to the fiscal year 1985 baseline. DOE has exceeded the goal by 6 percent and in 8 years sooner than the deadline. The fiscal year 1985 consumption was 98.3 billion British Thermal Units (BTU) and the fiscal year 2002 consumption was 58.7 billion BTU for a total energy savings of 39.5 billion BTU or a direct dollar savings of $340,000. The overall monetary savings attributed to the projects is $2.68 million from fiscal year 1985 through the end of fiscal year 2002. This equates to eliminating 402 tons of sulphur dioxide, 194 tons of nitrous oxide and 50,393 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The team achieved the energy consumption reduction without sacrificing occupant comfort, health or safety.
For more information, contact Mr. Louis A. D’Angelo, III at (202) 586-6080 or via e-mail at louis.d’angelo@hq.doe.gov.
