U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program

Greenhouse Gas Resources

Several resources help Federal agencies understand and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These resources span:

• FedCenter Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting
• GHG Accounting Tools
• Technical Assistance
• Interagency Coordination
• Publications
• Related Links

FedCenter Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting

The FedCenter Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reporting Website features additional information, training, and tools to assist agencies with completing comprehensive GHG inventory reporting requirements under E.O. 13514, including:

• FEMP and White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Reporting Resources: Core documents of Federal GHG reporting under E.O. 13514.

• Checklist: Step-by-step introduction to the essentials of GHG accounting for Federal agencies, including participant roles.

• Inventory Management Plan: Customizable inventory management plan template that details methods used by Federal agencies. Quickly define roles and responsibilities, data management approaches, data elements, training, archiving, updating, and verification.

• Frequently Asked Questions: Answers to take some of the mystery out of GHG inventories.

• Data Requirements: Customizable GHG inventory data requirements document that provides the details needed to collect agency emissions data.

• Commuter Surveys: Employee surveys to collect data needed to estimate annual Scope 3 employee commute GHG emissions.

• Airline and Rental Car Travel Emissions: Resource to help agencies compute business air travel and rental car GHG emissions.

• News and News Sources: Latest development in GHG reporting and mitigation from sources throughout the world.

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GHG Accounting Tools

The following tools can assist Federal agencies calculate and report their greenhouse gas emissions:

• Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Annual GHG and Sustainability Data Report, Version 2.4: Federal GHG reporting workbook serving as a foundation for annual energy and GHG emissions reporting under Executive Order (E.O.) 13514. This workbook is to be used for reporting in FY 2011 and forward.

• General Services Administration (GSA) Carbon Footprint and Green Procurement Tool: Voluntary tool developed by GSA to assist agencies in managing GHGs as required by E.O. 13514.

Also see Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Planning Data and Tools.

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Technical Assistance

Limited FEMP technical assistance is available to help Federal agencies understand and apply the GHG accounting methodologies in the Technical Support Document. For additional information, send specific questions and contact information to fedghgs@nrel.gov.

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Interagency Coordination

The following interagency groups and initiatives complement FEMP's one-to-one work with agencies to facilitate coordination among Federal agencies and other key stakeholders:

• Federal Working Group on GHG Accounting and Reporting: The interagency working group was established by CEQ to make recommendations for GHG accounting and reporting methods by Federal agencies under E.O. 13514. This group posts status updates and relevant information on FedCenter through a password-protected site.

• FedCenter Federal GHG Accounting Workgroup: Original workgroup devoted to "road-testing" the Public Sector Protocol and developing the initial recommendations to CEQ on Federal GHG accounting and reporting. A password is required.

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Publications

The following publications illustrate greenhouse gas management resources and experience:

• FEMP Greenhouse Gas Program Overview: Overview of the Federal Energy Management Program Greenhouse Gas program, including Federal requirements, FEMP services, and contacts.

• U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report: Annual report prepared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency outlining national greenhouse gas emissions from year to year.

• Federal Agency Strategic Sustainability Performance Plans (SSPPs): Links to Federal agency SSPPs are available, along with Office of Management and Budget Sustainability and Energy Scorecards.

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Related Links

Federal agency websites provide information and background to help greenhouse gas initiatives:

• Climate Neutral Research Campuses: National Renewable Energy Laboratory process to create climate action plans that follow a logical hierarchy of actions to reach climate neutrality.

• Office of the Federal Environmental Executive: Information and resources related to Executive Order 13514.

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Comprehensive information on climate change issues and initiatives across the Federal, private industry, and consumer sectors.

• EPA Climate Change Links Directory: Links related to greenhouse gases.

• EPA GHG Reporting Program: Rule mandating the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from large sources in the U.S. written in response to the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764: Public Law 110-161) in fiscal year 2008.

• Energy Information Administration: Compiles emissions data at the Federal, state, and local level, as well as internationally.

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Charged with helping society understand, plan for, and respond to climate variability and change.

• White House CEQ: Policy information related to Federal accounting and reporting of GHG emissions as outlined by E.O. 13514.

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Feedback

Did you find the information that you needed? Please let us know. FEMP welcomes any feedback on its GHG mitigation content. To provide feedback, see Contacts.