ExecutiveOrdersEO
Memo 13514MemorandumObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum 13514

Federal Leadership on Energy Management

This memorandum directs federal agencies to obtain 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by fiscal year 2020, with interim targets starting at 10% in 2015. It also mandates improved building energy management through metering, benchmarking via EPA's Energy Star Portfolio Manager, and adoption of the Green Button data access system, with multiple deadlines for implementation guidance.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 75209

Impact dates

  1. 20% renewable energy target (FY2020)

  2. 17.5% renewable energy target (FY2018)

  3. 15% renewable energy target (FY2016)

  4. EPA updates Energy Star Portfolio Manager for Green Button

  5. DOE/FEMP issues Green Button guidance (from pilot initiation)

  6. 10% renewable energy target (FY2015)

  7. DOE issues updated Renewable Energy Requirement Guidance

  8. DOE/FEMP revises Metering Best Practices and Benchmarking Guidance

  9. GSA initiates Green Button pilot strategy

  10. DOE/FEMP provides REC recommendations to CEQ Chair

Key directives

  • 20% renewable electricity consumption by FY2020 with interim annual targets
  • Priority hierarchy for renewable energy procurement: on-site installation, on-site/off-site contracts with RECs, electricity/REC purchases, standalone REC purchases
  • 100% of purchased RECs must come from new renewable sources
  • Installation of building energy and water meters where cost-effective
  • Mandatory entry of metered data into EPA Energy Star Portfolio Manager
  • Public disclosure of annual benchmark energy performance data via DOE tracking system
  • Green Button pilot at federal facilities
  • DOE to update Renewable Energy Requirement Guidance within 180 days
  • DOE/FEMP to issue Green Button guidance within 180 days of pilot initiation
  • EPA to update Energy Star Portfolio Manager for Green Button compatibility within 1 year
  • DOE/FEMP to revise Metering Best Practices and Benchmarking Guidance within 180 days

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • memorandum takes effect
  • agencies to begin planning for renewable energy targets

Near term (90d)

  • GSA/DOE/EPA to initiate Green Button pilot strategy (120 days)
  • DOE/FEMP to provide recommendations on renewable energy certificates to CEQ Chair (120 days)

Long term

  • 10% renewable energy target for FY2015
  • 15% target for FY2016-2017
  • 17.5% target for FY2018-2019
  • 20% target for FY2020 and thereafter
  • EPA update to Energy Star Portfolio Manager (1 year)

Risks & tensions

  • Economic feasibility and technical practicability qualifiers may weaken enforcement
  • Dependency on appropriations availability creates funding uncertainty
  • Complex accounting for renewable energy certificates with multiple procurement pathways
  • Green Button pilot timeline has nested deadlines creating implementation risk
  • Exemption authorities for national security and intelligence may reduce coverage
Presidential Memorandum 13514: Federal Leadership on Energy Management · Executive Orders