DOE Launches Initiative to Address Energy Savings across Nationwide DOE Complex

August 20, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

The goal of the TEAM Initiative is touted as meeting or exceeding the goals for increasing energy efficiency throughout the federal government.

Reducing energy intensity by 30% across the DOE complex is billed as saving approximately $90 million in taxpayer dollars per year after projects are paid for, claims the DOE.

The initiative is intended to meet or exceed energy efficiency goals mandated by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct), which directed federal agencies to:

• Reduce energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Increase use and efficiency of renewable energy technologies.
• Adopt sustainable design practices.
• Reduce petroleum use in federal fleets.

The initiative is designed to target changes that will have an impact on the DOE's energy use as early as next year, said the DOE.

Specifically, TEAM Initiative requires that:

• By 2008, the DOE have in place executable plans for all facilities to reduce energy intensity by 30%.
• The department maximize installation of secure, on-site renewable energy projects at all DOE sites and/or optimize affordable purchases of renewable electricity.
• The DOE's entire Alternative Fuel Vehicles fleet operate on clean, alternative fuels.
• The DOE benchmark and monitor water use and implement a plan - and begin saving water - by fiscal year 2008 to reduce consumption by at least 16%.
• New DOE construction, major renovations and 15% of existing federal capital asset building inventory incorporate the Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings ultimately aspiring to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification or comparable certification.
• The department use environmental management systems to ensure implementation of and provide the supporting framework for these activities.

These goals cannot be achieved without the expanded use of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs), Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs) provided by utility companies.

ESPCs and UESCs are unique contracting vehicles, allowing agencies to complete needed energy savings projects for their facilities. ESCOs and utilities provide the private financing required for equipment purchases and process enhancements and are subsequently repaid from the revenues generated from energy cost savings resulting from improved energy efficiency.

Many of the measures implemented will require up-front investments such as advanced lighting, heating and air conditioning, said the DOE.

The DOE said it anticipates it will use some appropriated funds for these energy-saving projects, however it will maximize use of alternative financing tools such as ESPCs and UESCs to fund major portions of TEAM Initiative.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).