Federal Greenhouse Gas Requirements

Executive Order (E.O.) 13514 expands the energy reduction and environmental requirements of Executive Order 13423 by making greenhouse gas (GHG) management a priority for the Federal government. The following summary is a reference on key greenhouse gas requirements that all agencies must meet.

Guidance and reporting resources for GHG management are provided. Key definitions are outlined below.

Additional requirements spanning energy intensity reductions, new construction and major renovations, renewable energy, and other topics are outlined on the Requirements and Guidance by Subject page.

Greenhouse Gas Management Requirements

Under Section 2 of E.O. 13514, each Federal agency must:

• Within 90 days of the order, establish and report to the CEQ Chair and OMB Director a percentage reduction target for agency-wide reductions of Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions in absolute terms by fiscal year 2020 relative to a fiscal year 2008 baseline of the agency's Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions.
  • In establishing the target, agencies shall consider reductions associated with:
    • Reducing agency building energy intensity.
    • Increasing agency renewable energy use and implementing on-site renewable energy generation projects.
    • Reducing agency use of fossil fuels by:
      • Using low GHG emitting vehicles, including alternative fuel vehicles.
      • Optimizing the number of vehicles in agency fleets.
      • Reducing agency total petroleum product consumption, in agency fleets of 20 or more vehicles, by a minimum of 2% annually through the end of fiscal year 2020 relative to a fiscal year 2005 baseline.
    • Where appropriate, this target shall exclude direct emissions from excluded vehicles and equipment as well as electric power produced and sold commercially to other parties in the course of regular business.
• Within 240 days of the order, establish and report to the CEQ Chair and OMB Director a percentage reduction target for reducing agency-wide Scope 3 GHG emissions in absolute terms by fiscal year 2020 relative to a fiscal year 2008 baseline of agency Scope 3 emissions.
  • In establishing the target, agencies shall consider reductions associated with:
    • Pursuing opportunities with vendors and contractors to address and incorporate incentives to reduce GHG emissions (such as changes to manufacturing, utility or delivery services, modes of transportation used, or other changes in supply chain activities).
    • Implementing strategies and accommodations for transit, travel, training, and conferencing that actively support low-carbon commuting and travel by agency staff.
    • Pursuing greenhouse gas emission reductions associated with other Federal Government sustainability goals outlined within E.O. 13514.
    • Developing and implementing innovative policies and practices that address Scope 3 GHG emissions unique to agency operations.
• Within 15 months of the order, establish and report to the CEQ Chair and OMB Director a comprehensive inventory of absolute GHG emissions, including Scope 1, Scope 2, and specified Scope 3 emissions for fiscal year 2010. Comprehensive inventories shall be submitted annually thereafter at the end of each January for the preceding fiscal year.

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Definitions

E.O. 13514 defines several terms, including:

• Greenhouse Gases: Are defined to include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.

• Scope 1 Emissions: Includes direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by a Federal agency.

• Scope 2 Emissions: Includes direct greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the generation of electricity, heat, or steam purchased by a Federal agency.

• Scope 3 Emissions: Includes greenhouse gas emissions from sources not owned or directly controlled by a Federal agency but related to agency activities, such as vendor supply chains, delivery services, and employee travel and commuting.

• Absolute Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Total greenhouse gas emissions without normalization for activity levels (see Energy Intensity) but including any allowable consideration for sequestration.

• Renewable Energy: Energy produced by solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas, ocean (including tidal, wave, current, and thermal), geothermal, municipal solid waste, or new hydroelectric generation capacity achieved from increased efficiency or additions of new capacity at an existing hydroelectric project.

• Energy Intensity: Energy consumption per square foot of building space, including industrial or laboratory facilities.

• Excluded Vehicles and Equipment: Any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or non-road equipment owned or operated by an agency of the Federal Government that is used in combat service or support, tactical or relief operations or training, Federal law enforcement, emergency response, or space flight vehicles.

• Alternative Fuel Vehicles: Vehicles defined by Section 301 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 as amended (42 USC 13211) and otherwise including electric-fueled and/or hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, dedicated alternative fueled vehicles, dual-fueled alternative fueled vehicles, qualified fuel cell vehicles, advanced lean burn technology motor vehicles, self-propelled vehicles such as bicycles, and any other alternative fueled vehicles that are defined by statute.

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