Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance
Oct 8, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Oct 5, 2009
Published on: Oct 8, 2009
Oct 8, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Oct 5, 2009
Published on: Oct 8, 2009
Summary
Makes federal agencies reduce pollution, use less energy and water, and create less waste to help the environment and the economy.
What problem does this solve?
The U.S. government needed to set an example for the country on how to protect the environment and build a clean energy economy. This order sets specific goals for all federal agencies to reduce pollution, save water and energy, and cut down on waste.
What does this order do?
Sets greenhouse gas reduction targets
Requires each federal agency to set its own target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by fiscal year 2020, compared to a 2008 baseline.
Mandates sustainable purchasing
Ensures that 95 percent of all new government contracts for products and services are for items that are energy-efficient, water-efficient, biobased, or environmentally friendly.
Requires high-performance sustainable buildings
Mandates that all new federal buildings planned after 2020 must be designed to be zero-net-energy by 2030. Also requires that 15% of existing buildings meet sustainable guiding principles by 2015.
Improves water efficiency
Reduces drinkable water use by 26 percent and other water use (like for landscaping) by 20 percent by the end of fiscal year 2020.
Reduces waste and promotes recycling
Requires agencies to divert at least 50 percent of non-hazardous solid waste and 50 percent of construction materials away from landfills by the end of fiscal year 2015.
Creates agency sustainability plans
Requires every agency to develop, implement, and annually update a Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan to track and prioritize its environmental goals.
Appoints senior sustainability officers
Mandates that the head of each agency designate a Senior Sustainability Officer to be accountable for meeting the order's requirements.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government agencies
- Government contractors and vendors
- Federal employees
What is the real world impact?
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Sets a national example for sustainability
Aims to use the federal government's large size and buying power to show how to be more environmentally friendly, hoping that states, cities, and private companies will follow.
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Boosts the green technology market
By requiring agencies to buy sustainable products, the government creates a large, stable market for green technologies, which can help these industries grow and lower costs for everyone.
When does this start?
This order became effective on October 5, 2009, and established multiple deadlines for federal agencies.
Greenhouse gas reduction targets
Within 90 days (by January 3, 2010), agencies must set targets for reducing direct and energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Agency sustainability plans
Within 240 days (by June 2, 2010), agencies must submit their first Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan.
Waste diversion goal
By the end of fiscal year 2015, agencies must divert at least 50% of their non-hazardous solid waste and construction debris from landfills.
Final reduction goals
By the end of fiscal year 2020, agencies must meet their established targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
Zero-net-energy buildings
Beginning in 2020, all new federal buildings entering the planning process must be designed to achieve zero-net-energy use by 2030.