10 Strategies to Improve Government Agency Energy Performance
Government agencies manage thousands of facilities and consume significant amounts of energy each year. Implementing energy efficiency strategies can help reduce operational costs, improve building performance, and support long-term sustainability goals across the public sector.
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Key Takeaways
Government agencies can significantly reduce energy waste and operating costs by implementing structured efficiency strategies. Energy audits, LED lighting upgrades, HVAC maintenance, and energy management systems help improve building performance and reduce consumption. When combined with renewable energy investments and employee engagement, these initiatives support federal sustainability goals while saving taxpayer dollars and improving facility operations.
Conduct energy audits to identify inefficiencies.
Upgrade to LED lighting and efficient equipment.
Use energy management systems to track usage.
Improve insulation and building envelopes.
Integrate renewable energy sources.
Encourage employee energy awareness.
Why Do Governments Need an Energy Strategy?
Every year, government agencies spend an astounding $10 billion to power essential public services. While newly constructed governmental buildings are typically energy efficient, many agencies operate in aging structures. Nearly one-third of the energy used to run government buildings is wasted due to building inefficiencies. Creating a comprehensive energy strategy helps the public sector improve their building, save taxpayer dollars, and promote agency-wide sustainability. In addition, a well-defined energy strategy allows agencies to better plan for future energy demands, budget more accurately, and reduce exposure to volatile energy costs. It also ensures compliance with evolving federal and state regulations while supporting long-term infrastructure modernization efforts.
Does the public sector have sustainability goals?
The government created a Federal Sustainability Plan in 2021. The overarching goal is to decarbonize the public sector, aligning with global clean energy goals. The first phase of the Federal Sustainability Plan is a 50% reduction in energy consumption from government buildings by 2032. The second phase is for all government buildings to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. The hope is to achieve these two milestones through the Federal Building Performance Standards imposed by the Biden Administration in 2022. These standards provide the structured framework for new construction and historical buildings to improve their energy performance. With more than 350,000 buildings, the Federal government is the country’s largest energy consumer and property manager. These efforts aim to reduce the government’s carbon footprint while saving taxpayer dollars.
Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategies:
Strategy 1: Conduct an energy audit
Energy audits help the public sector improve building efficiency and reduce consumption. During these assessments, auditors examine the building envelope, appliances, and equipment, evaluating efficiency and monitoring daily operations. Afterwards, they provide a comprehensive report detailing current performance and suggest low-to-no-cost upgrades and operational changes to reduce energy usage.
Strategy 2: Create energy efficiency goals & a task force
Once your agency understands its current energy performance, it’s essential to set measurable goals and create a task force. An inter-departmental energy task force ensures stakeholders across departments are aligned and involved in the improvement process. The task force will meet regularly to create goals, monitor progress, and prioritize projects. Furthermore, task force delegates keep their departments informed of upcoming projects or energy-saving practices.
Strategy 3: Invest in an energy management system
Energy management systems (EMS) enable the public sector to actively monitor energy consumption throughout a building or across multiple sites. Their real-time data insights alert operators of any building inefficiencies or changes in energy usage. Using EMS data insights to inform operational changes or upgrades can reduce an agency’s utility costs by 10-30%.
Strategy 4: Make the switch to LED lighting
Light-emitting diode (LED) technology is the most energy-efficient lighting available today. LED bulbs are up to 90% more efficient and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Many LEDs include smart technologies for power, brightness, and color adjustments. For example, a public school can save over $5000 annually by replacing fluorescents with LEDs.
Strategy 5: Upgrade to energy-efficient equipment
Examine the electronics, appliances, and equipment throughout the building. Determine what equipment needs maintenance or an upgrade. When replacing outdated models, look for Energy Star certification, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. Energy Star products are known for their high-performance with minimal power consumption. Since 1992, Energy Star has helped commercial buildings save $14 billion in energy costs.
Strategy 6: Improve the building envelope
The building envelope includes your premise’s walls, windows, roofing, and foundation. Did you know that 30% of the energy your building consumes is directly related to the efficiency of these building components? Improving the building envelope with efficient materials reduces energy waste, lowers utility costs, and fosters a more comfortable working environment.
Building Envelope Improvements:
- Seal any cracks, gaps, or blemishes.
- Add weatherstripping to doors and windows
- Upgrade to reflective roofing materials
- Improve building insulation
Strategy 7: Create a routine HVAC maintenance schedule
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) account for 52% of the energy consumed in a commercial building. When half of an agency’s energy bill is dedicated to HVAC applications, prioritizing routine maintenance is vital. Consistent HVAC upkeep can reduce energy use by 50% in electrical systems and 10% or more in natural gas systems.
Strategy 8: Cultivate an energy-conscious culture
The most successful energy-saving initiatives encourage collective effort to maximize impact. Educating building tenants about conservation practices empowers them to get involved. Provide efficiency training for all employees and create opportunities for them to participate in energy-saving efforts. Consider a system to reward sustainability efforts or an agency-wide energy awareness campaign to celebrate progress towards goals.
Strategy 9: Integrate renewable energy sources
Renewable energy investments are the ultimate solution to lowering energy bills and reducing an agency’s carbon footprint. By integrating onsite renewable energy generation, your agency can power its own operations sustainably. Solar panels or wind power lessens your reliance on the electrical grid. When paired with battery storage, renewable power systems also provide back-up power during emergencies and inclement weather.
Strategy 10: Regularly monitor and update energy strategies
Improving your government organization’s energy performance is not a singular task but an ongoing practice. Your energy management team should regularly review progress towards goals and update management strategies as operations change. Create an annual energy review schedule for the agency, including professional assessments, goal setting, and how to monitor progress.
How Are Government Facilities Impacted by Energy Efficiency Upgrades?
El Paso’s DEA invests in an energy-saving solar array
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) provides intelligence and support to law enforcement agencies across the country. In 2017, they signed their first Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) to develop a more sustainable and efficient energy system. The DEA EPIC facility took advantage of Texas’s abundant solar energy resources by installing more than 7,340 solar panels, with capacity of 2.5 Megawatts (MW) of energy. The system will produce 4.5 million kilowatt-hours per year, achieving $9.2 million in energy savings over its 20-year lifespan.
Fort Cronkhite’s historic WWII barracks become sustainable dorms
Fort Cronkhite is a former World War II military post based in California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It has since been repurposed into offices and housing for the National Park Service. California’s National Park Service wanted to improve the historic infrastructure to create energy-efficient dormitories for 18 interns. Their sustainable modernization projects replaced propane furnaces with electric models, installing LED lighting, Energy Star appliances, and investing in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. After shifting to all-electric appliances, they chose to source their energy plan from 100% California solar power. As a result of their efforts, Fort Cronkhite has avoided 30,000 lbs of CO2 emissions annually.
Take A Proactive Step Towards Public Sector Energy Savings
There is an abundance of energy-saving strategies to help reduce public sector energy costs and improve sustainability. By implementing the energy strategies above, government agencies can take control of utility expenses while setting an eco-friendly example. Take cost-savings and sustainable efforts even further by partnering with a commercial energy broker. The energy experts at Integrity Energy leverage a network of 30+ energy suppliers to curate the most cost effective and sustainable energy solutions on the market. Request a free quote to start your journey towards a more sustainable future.
Reduce Energy Costs Across Government Facilities
Integrity Energy helps public sector organizations identify cost-effective energy solutions and competitive supply plans. Connect with our experts to improve efficiency and reduce long-term utility expenses.
About the Author 
Kat Garside
