Addressing the National Association of Counties (NACo), EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt emphasized ENERGY STAR and the role of energy efficiency for local governments, saying, “Counties can protect the environment and save tax dollars through superior energy performance. EPA looks forward to recognize the success of counties.”
Counties are encouraged to join the NACo ENERGY STAR Courthouse Campaign. The campaign sets standards by which counties can rate the performance of their courthouses and office buildings and win recognition by EPA for superior energy performance.
Beyond the campaign, ENERGY STAR helps local governments save money by achieving and maintaining superior energy performance-a welcome relief during tough economic times. Taking advantage of ENERGY STAR’s tools and resources will improve energy performance and lower energy costs now and for years to come.
ENERGY STAR partners also help the environment by reducing pollution and the emissions that contribute to global warming. When our workplaces and homes are more energy efficient, they demand less electricity from local utilities. As a result, less fossil fuel is burned and the harmful byproducts-greenhouse gases and air pollutants-are avoided.
ENERGY STAR offers a proven energy management strategy that local government officials can customize. ENERGY STAR’s tools and resources (many online) help municipalities make informed decisions at each step in the process and achieve success. By reducing energy use in day-to-day operations and saving money on utility bills, local governments demonstrate their good stewardship of taxpayer dollars and the environment.
Listed below are the ENERGY STAR guidelines for superior energy management, with examples of just a few of the many tools and resources. To access these resources, visit www.energystar.gov and select Business Improvement.
- Top-level commitment and sustained leadership are critical to reaping the environmental and financial benefits of superior energy efficiency. Many local governments have chosen to join ENERGY STAR as a way to show their commitment. The most successful ENERGY STAR partners designate Energy Directors who understand how energy management helps them achieve their goals and who enjoy the strong support of their organization’s senior management.
- Assess Current Energy Performance & Set Performance Goals
Portfolio Manager. This online resource houses the energy performance data for buildings. Portfolio Manager allows local governments to track the yearly energy use intensity of all space types. For some building types (notably courthouses), the national performance rating tool built into Portfolio Manager provides a 1 to 100 score for a building’s energy performance. The results can be used to set goals for continuous improvement in the months and years ahead. Top performers may earn and display the prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for protecting the environment through energy efficiency. To use this rating tool, go to www.energystar.gov/benchmark.Target Finder. EPA’s Target Finder provides the estimated energy use intensity for the design energy performance of new building plans and allows the architect or agency to select a target. To use this tool, go to www.energystar.gov, select Business Improvement, and then choose Target Finder in the left column.
- Create and Implement an Action Plan
An action plan is the roadmap that keeps everyone focused. A good action plan includes (1) a method for identifying energy performance improvements; (2) a means of quantifying costs and energy savings potential, and evaluating alternatives; (3) budgets and resource allocations; (4) goals and a description of how they will be achieved; (5) milestones for energy efficiency projects; and (6) staff training opportunities. EPA provides governments with the information and resources necessary for developing and implementing an effective action plan, including:HOW TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS
Financing is a critical part of any action plan. Energy efficiency projects can be structured so that local governments use the future energy dollars saved (through lower utility bills) to pay for the investment today.Non-traditional public sector financing. ENERGY STAR offers white papers on non-traditional public sector financing options, guidance on financing options for local government officials, and online interactive presentations on financing.
The Cash Flow Opportunity (CFO) Calculator. This Excel-based tool helps decisionmakers answer key questions about energy saving opportunities. It quantifies how much equipment can be purchased from the anticipated energy savings. It also compares the cost and benefits of financing projects now versus waiting for a lower interest rate or until cash is available in a future budget. The CFO Calculator allows managers who are not financial specialists to make informed decisions, yet it is sophisticated enough to satisfy budget and finance managers. To use this tool, go to www.energystar.gov, select Business Improvement, followed by Assess Financial Value.
- Assess Current Energy Performance & Set Performance Goals
By adopting ENERGY STAR and taking advantage of its resources, governments can achieve the environmental and financial benefits of superior energy management.
AUDRIE WASHINGTON works for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regional office located in Chicago. She is the Regional Coordinator for the national Energy Star programs serving six States in the Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio. Prior to her work with Energy Star, she worked with State governments, enforcing air regulations under the Clean Air Act. As Energy Star Coordinator, she now works with State/local governments, commercial building owners, and other organizations to help improve the energy efficiency of their buildings while prevent pollution through voluntary efforts. She has a B.S. degree in Business and Administration from Chicago State University.
Contact information:
Audrie Washington
Email: washington.audrie@epa.gov
fax: 312-886-5824
phone: 3112-886-0669
