We Heard You: Common SAVE Award Ideas You Submitted

Below, we've listed some of the most common ideas submitted by Federal employees during the 2009 SAVE Award as well as the steps we're taking to implement these suggestions. Please review this list before submitting an idea for the 2010 SAVE Award.

What we heard: Use more energy efficient light bulbs

Here’s what we are doing: The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires agencies install more efficient bulbs and fixtures as part of their routine facility maintenance.  Under existing statutory and Executive Order requirements, agencies are also required to make Federal facilities more energy efficient with a target of a 3% annual energy consumption reduction with an aggregate 30% reduction from the 2003 baseline by 2015.  Installing more efficient lightbulbs within Federal buildings is one of many steps that agencies are taking to improve their energy efficiency in their agency sustainable buildings and energy efficiency plans.

What we heard: Install motion sensitive lights to increase energy efficiency

Here’s what we are doing: Agencies are required, under existing statutory and Executive Order requirements, to make Federal facilities more energy efficient.  Agencies are to target a 3% annual energy consumption reduction with an aggregate 30% reduction from the 2003 baseline by 2015.  Installing more efficient lighting systems, including installation of motion sensitive lights, is underway within many Federal agencies.  In order for motion sensitive technology to be installed in existing Federal buildings, the building system must be able to support the new technology.

What we heard: Replace government vehicles with hybrids, Clean Natural Gas fueled, or at least 5 mpg higher fuel efficiency

Here’s what we are doing: Existing statutes and Executive Orders require that 75% of Federal agency vehicle purchases be alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), which include hybrids, under the most recent definition of AFVs.

What we heard: Buy smaller government vehicles or golf carts instead of cars

Here’s what we are doing: Existing statutes and Executive Order 13514 require that agencies reduce their petroleum consumption by 2 percent annually through the end of fiscal year 2020, relative to a baseline of fiscal year 2005.  Also, statute and EO require 75% of Federal agency vehicle purchases to be alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), which include hybrids, under the most recent definition of AFVs.

What we heard: Retrofit Federal buildings with solar panels

Here’s what we are doing: Agencies are currently evaluating the viability of including solar panels and other renewable technology in both new Federal construction and the modernization of existing Federal buildings.  In many locations, solar technology is not life-cycle cost effective, therefore, each project needs to be evaluated independently.  Several agencies received significant funds for new construction and modernization through the Recovery Act and are actively installing solar panels on building for which it was determined to be structurally sound and life-cycle cost effective.  The Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires all federal agencies to increase their purchases of renewable energy—from 5% in 2010 to 7.5% by 2013 and beyond.  Additionally, Executive Order 13423 requires agencies to purchase half of that renewable energy from new sources.  

What we heard: Turn down the AC/heater in the summer/winter respectively/ Allow employees to regulate their own thermostats

Here’s what we are doing: There is currently no Government-wide standard for setting heating and air conditioning temperatures.  However, as agencies modernize their facilities they are incorporating technology that will allow for greater temperature control within a building.  In addition, Section 432 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires agencies to better manage the energy and water efficiency of their buildings.  It requires agencies to audit at least 25% of their buildings annually and to perform commissioning to ensure that all facilities perform optimally and are properly operated and maintained.