Energy

Greening Government Goal: "By June 30, 2012, reduce energy consumption in state facilities by 20% from SFY 05-06 baseline. Where performance contracting is not feasible, state agencies shall strive to reduce energy use by 10% from a fiscal year 2005-2006 baseline."

Greening Government partners with state agencies, colleges, and universities to implement Energy Performance Contracting to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings, and with the Office of State Architect to ensure that new state buildings employ high performance design approaches. The Council develops sustainable leasing standards to assist state agencies in office space selection and management, and develops strategies to reduce waste from construction and state operations, through increased recycling and composting.

Energy efficiency saves money and improves comfort at every stage of a building’s life. Designing a building to perform efficiently through a process called "high performance design" and actively managing the building's operations allows state agencies to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts. Moreover, high performance design considers factors such as improved indoor air quality and day lighting, which creates better workplaces.

Utility cost savings of 15 to 25% can often be achieved by implementing cost-effective equipment replacements and operational strategies. These savings enable the state to leverage funds to implement additional energy-efficiency projects. Reduced energy consumption mitigates the future impact of volatile energy prices and fuel price escalation.

Colorado’s 4,100+ state-owned facilities used $38 million in energy during state fiscal year 2004-05 figures. A 20% across-the-board reduction in energy use will save an estimated $7.6 million per year. Colorado has already taken significant steps in this direction, particularly under Executive Order D 014 03 "Energy Performance Contracting to Improve State Facilities," which requires state departments to initiate performance contracts as feasible.

Energy efficiency reduces the demand on our natural resources and improves outdoor air quality by reducing power plant emissions. A 25% reduction in energy use is the pollution-prevention equivalent of taking 11,000 cars off the road each year. Commercial buildings account for 76% of all electricity used in the United States.

In addition to cutting utility costs, implementing energy-saving projects is a boon to the Colorado economy. For each $1 in energy performance contracting projects, $0.40 is pumped into the local economy according to the National Association of Energy Service Companies. Several studies suggest that four to five jobs are created for every $1 million in energy investment.

Quality energy-efficient equipment also results in improved comfort in the buildings for occupants: better lighting, better temperature control, adequate fresh air, reduced noise from equipment operation, etc. Studies show this improves worker productivity and attendance.

Helpful Contacts

The GEO Greening Government Program Manager
Find your agency's Greening Government Council Representative

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