Government Role

WE BELIEVE

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Demonstrating a commitment to lead by example, President Obama signed Executive Order 13514, that set sustainability goals for Federal agencies and focuses on making improvements in their environmental, energy and economic performance.  The Federal Government occupies nearly 500,000 buildings all of which have roofs and pavement that should be the first goal.

The Federal government purchases more than $500 billion per year in goods and services.  The Executive Order required Federal agencies (among other things) to submit a 2020 greenhouse gas pollution reduction target including plans to increase energy efficiency, support sustainable communities, and leverage Federal purchasing power which currently exceeds ($500 billion per year) to promote environmentally-responsible products and technologies.

The Executive Order builds on and expands the energy reduction and environmental requirements of Executive Order 13423 by making reductions of greenhouse gas emissions a priority of the Federal government, and by requiring agencies to develop sustainability plans focused on cost-effective projects and programs.  Projected benefits to the taxpayer include substantial energy savings and avoided costs from improved efficiency.