Executive Order 13423: Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management
President Bush announces new Executive Order strengthening federal environmental, energy, and transportation management at a visit to DuPont on January 24, 2007. Credit White House/Paul Morse.
On January 24, 2007, President Bush issued Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management," that strengthens key goals for the federal government.
In consultation with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality has issued instructions (PDF 150 KB) Download Adobe Reader and defined requirements for implementing Executive Order 13423. The implementation instructions identify the entities responsible for coordination and oversight of the Executive Order and define strategies for agencies to meet the requirements. The instructions cover all areas impacted by the Executive Order including energy and water management, building construction, and fleet vehicle management.
As the nation's single largest energy user, the federal government has an obligation to lead by example to meet the President's aggressive agenda to reduce dependence on foreign oil and conserve resources. The new Executive Order raises the bar for federal leadership and performance in several areas. As the lead agency for coordinating the implementation of the energy and water goals, DOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) offers a variety of resources to assist federal agencies in achieving those goals.
30% Reduction in Energy Consumption
FEMP staff can help you navigate the new requirements set forth in the President's Executive Order and we'd love to hear from you—FEMP Contacts.
The Executive Order requires agencies to reduce greenhouse gases through a reduction in energy intensity of 3% a year or 30% by the end of fiscal year 2015 (compares with 2% per year and 20% overall from EPAct 2005). FEMP provides several project planning resources for both existing buildings and new construction.
- Seven Steps to Savings—How to Implement an Energy-Saving Project includes a step-by-step approach to achieve energy and water savings in existing facilities.
- For agencies that are considering using an energy savings performance contract FEMP has prepared a Project Planning resource.
- Agencies that are planning new construction should consult FEMP's Project Implementation Guide for achieving sustainable design and operations.
Renewable Energy
To be in compliance with the new Executive Order, federal agencies must ensure that at least half of renewable energy comes from new renewable sources (EPAct 2005 was silent on the issue of "new" resources). FEMP offers a number of resources on renewable energy including purchasing renewable energy as well as on-site use of renewable energy.
- For general background on renewable energy and federal requirements see our Renewable Energy Web site.
- To help energy and facility managers decide on a renewable energy project for their facility or agency that is cost-effective, FEMP provides information on Project Implementation.
- Agencies can purchase renewable power to obtain a percentage of their energy from renewable sources to help meet the new Executive Order goals.
Water Efficiency
Under the new Executive Order, agencies must reduce water consumption by 2% annually through fiscal year 2015 (explicit water goal was not part of EPAct). Water efficiency and energy efficiency are closely linked, as water requires a significant energy input for treatment, pumping, heating and process uses.
FEMP has developed guidance to help agencies meet these water conservation goals. For more information, read Establishing Baseline and Meeting Water Conservation Goals of Executive Order 13423 (PDF 252 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
Also FEMP provides energy managers with information on effective water efficiency strategies and a spreadsheet model, Watergy software, which analyzes the potential of water savings and associated energy savings.
Sustainable Building Construction
The new Executive Order requires that agencies must ensure new construction/major renovation comply with the 2006 Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was signed at the White House Summit on Federal Sustainable Buildings.
- Sustainable Buildings MOU
- FEMP's Sustainable Design and Operations site gives facility and energy managers extensive information and resources on planning for and constructing new buildings.
Federal Fleets
With the new Executive Order, agencies must ensure fleet petroleum reduction of 2% annually, increased use of alternative fuels of 10% annually, and use of plug-in hybrids. DOE helps agencies meet requirements for federal fleets and provides information on alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles that meet these requirements.