Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation at Federal Facilities

This executive order directs federal agencies to reduce energy consumption in buildings by 30 percent by 2005 and increase industrial facility energy efficiency by 20 percent by 2005, using 1985 and 1990 baselines respectively. It mandates comprehensive energy and water audits, prioritization surveys, implementation of cost-effective conservation measures, expanded use of solar and renewable energy, innovative financing mechanisms like energy savings performance contracts, and new procurement standards for energy-efficient products.

Federal Register 59 FR 11463

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Impact dates

Jan 1, 2005
Energy consumption reduction and efficiency increase goals target year
Dec 8, 1995
Agencies report facility redesignations to FEMP and OMB
Sep 8, 1995
Prioritization surveys completed on all facilities; GSA procurement techniques developed
Mar 8, 1995
First President's Management Council report due; annual reports begin
Dec 3, 1994
Agency facility commissioning programs established; life cycle value engineering studies completed; model building commissioning program distributed
Oct 4, 1994
DOE submits renewable energy program to 656 Committee
Sep 4, 1994
Agencies begin implementing existing audit recommendations; DOE technical assistance guidance; GSA utility contacts and lists; DOE/GSA contractor lists
Jul 6, 1994
Task Force determines Btu-per-gross-square-foot ceiling for new facilities

Key directives

30% energy consumption reduction by 2005 (1985 baseline) for federal buildings per gross square foot
20% energy efficiency increase by 2005 (1990 baseline) for industrial facilities
prioritization surveys within 18 months on all facilities
comprehensive facility audits: 10% annually or 10 per year for small agencies
implement cost-effective recommendations within 180 days of audit completion
begin implementing existing audit recommendations within 180 days
DOE renewable energy program within 210 days
new facility Btu ceiling within 120 days
facility commissioning program within 270 days
model building commissioning program within 270 days
life cycle value engineering studies within 270 days
retain utility rebates and savings starting FY 1995

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

order takes effect immediately (March 8, 1994)
revocation of Executive Order 12759 (except sections 3, 9, 10)

Near term (90d)

within 120 days: Task Force to determine Btu-per-gross-square-foot ceiling for new facilities
within 180 days: agencies begin implementing existing audit recommendations
within 180 days: DOE to develop technical assistance guidance and training materials
within 180 days: GSA to contact utilities for no-cost audits and demand-side management services
within 180 days: DOE and GSA to make available national lists of qualified contractors
within 180 days: agencies to develop showcase facility demonstration plans

Long term

within 18 months: agencies complete prioritization surveys on all facilities
within 18 months: GSA to develop procurement techniques for energy/water technologies
within 21 months: agencies report facility redesignations to FEMP and OMB
by 2005: 30% energy consumption reduction in federal buildings
by 2005: 20% energy efficiency increase in industrial facilities
10-year plan for comprehensive facility audits (10% annually)
annual reporting requirements ongoing
President's Management Council reports every 2 years starting March 1995

Risks & tensions

Cost-effectiveness threshold (10-year payback) may exclude deeper efficiency investments with longer returns
'To the extent practicable' and 'cost-effective' qualifiers create implementation flexibility that may weaken compliance
Exemption process for mission-inconsistent facilities could substantially reduce covered footprint
Leased facilities provisions weaker than owned facilities due to lease term and practicability constraints
10-year audit timeline means some facilities may not be audited until near or after 2005 target date
Dual-fuel capability mandate contains cost-effectiveness and practicability escape clauses
Retention of savings provision contingent on OMB/DOE/DOD/GSA guidelines and legal permissibility—uncertain implementation