“Though it’s invisible, efficiency will cut 50% of energy use and up to 80% if we do the right things,” said Amory Lewis, RMI co-founder. Experts like Lewis continue to stress the importance of energy efficiency as a solution climate change and the anticipated rise in energy demand. The U.S. government is becoming part of that solution and recently announced more than $55 million in federal grants for energy efficiency Defense Department projects across the globe.
“We have a moral obligation to the people that defend our nation, to their families and to the American people to provide modern and efficient facilities,” said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. The conviction of her statement aligns with those of Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm, who joined Deputy Secretary Hicks in announcing the grant awardees from the Pentagon. “When it comes to decarbonizing our economy, it is vital that federal agencies walk the talk and put our money where our mouth is,” said Granholm. “As we think about the potential for making our homes and offices more energy efficient, the world’s second-largest office building is a pretty good place to start.”
Completed in 1943, the Pentagon will be updated with the installation of solar panels and a heat pump system. The “uninterrupted power source” should reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide an added layer of protection in case of a cyberattack.
As the nation’s largest energy consumer, the federal government has some 350,000 buildings in line for potential energy efficiency upgrades. Taking note of that fact, the Biden administration, and Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the Climate Smart Buildings Initiative (CSBI). With more than $1 billion in additional funding, federal agencies are leading by example with several public-private partnerships projects. Utility Energy Services Contracts (UESC) to improve federal buildings across Georgia. Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) to replace infrastructure at IRS Service Center in New York. ESPC to modernize six federal buildings in Washington, D.C. ESPC to replace a steam plant at Parris Island.
“But we know we can’t do this alone,” said Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. “And that’s why this interagency support is so important.” What partnerships and interagency initiatives have produced the best results? How have support and expertise combined improved energy efficiency?
