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

Federal Energy Management Program

Earth Day 2008 Message: Efficiency - Tap into the Potential of America's Greatest Energy Resource

The 2008 Earth Day poster defines "efficiency" as: (1) a powerful tool to realize a sustainable energy future; (2) a method to reduce the need for energy infrastructure, cut fuel costs, and increase economic competitiveness; (3) a way to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels; and (4) one of America's greatest resources.

Each year the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) within DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy develops and distributes educational outreach materials to Federal agencies throughout the United States, including our military installations abroad. Decreasing the amount of fossil fuel we consume to power our homes, offices, and cars is one of the most important actions we can take to increase our energy security, reduce operating costs, lower emissions, and protect our environment. This important work depends on each of us. We must be aware of our individual actions and make intelligent energy choices each day for a healthier environment, stronger economy, and brighter future for America. Therefore, we are asking Federal employees across the country to join us in celebrating and conserving our energy resources not only on Earth Day April 22nd, but everyday.

Recently enacted legislation makes it more important for agencies to consider energy efficiency standards in their day-to-day purchasing decisions and facility operations. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 sets new energy reduction goals for Federal buildings. It requires new facility management/benchmarking; performance standards for new construction, major renovations, and high-performance buildings; energy savings performance contracting; metering; energy efficient procurement; and Federal fleets.

In 2007, Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy and Transportation Management required agencies to reduce greenhouse gases through a reduction in energy intensity of 3 percent a year, or 30 percent by the end of fiscal year 2015 compared to the base year 2003. This increases the challenge of 2 percent per year and 20 percent overall from EPAct 2005.

The 2008 Earth Day theme demonstrates that efficiency is one of the quickest, least expensive, and cleanest ways to extend our energy supplies. With efficiency, we can achieve more productivity, savings, and security. Tap into the potential!

Energy Efficiency

The Federal government can play a unique role in facilitating and encouraging wise energy use, while simultaneously protecting the environment and conserving natural resources. For an agency, conserving energy means lower bills. Every decrease in energy costs is an increase in funds available to meet other mission-critical needs. Each and every individual action we take—from turning off lights in unoccupied rooms to turning off computer monitors and computers, if possible—add up to a brighter future for us all. Or visit this Web page to learn more about Energy Savers and discover easy ways to save energy. Doing a little saves a lot on Earth Day and every day.

Renewable Energy

Federal agencies are finding a variety of creative ways to meet Federal requirements to use renewable energy. From purchasing energy through utility green pricing programs to renewable installations, the Federal government is leading by example.

Earth Day Promotional Materials

The following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.

For Earth Day 2008, the Federal Energy Management Program has produced materials to support energy awareness campaigns at Federal agencies. Promotional materials include posters, computer monitor calendars, and magnets. Agencies participating in FEMP's You Have The Power campaign will receive these items; however, limited quantities of selected items are available to other agencies.

Please call the EERE Information Center at 877-337-3463 to request a limited supply of Earth Day materials. Materials are available to order now. A Power Kit: Energy Awareness Resources on CD ROM with high resolution graphics for creating and printing your own materials will be available to order by April 7, 2008. The CD also contains the handbook, Creating An Energy Awareness Program, the You Have the Power campaign core graphics and images (PDF 1.5 MB, 13 pp) for the current Earth Day campaign, as well as previous Earth Day and Energy Awareness Month campaign images.

You Have the Power

FEMP promotes saving energy every day of the year through its You Have the Power campaign. To learn more about Federal energy awareness campaigns and the people who work to save energy and taxpayer dollars at Federal facilities—Energy Champions—visit FEMP's You Have the Power Web site.

More About Earth Day

Earth Day, established by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, is an annual event celebrating the earth and our responsibility toward it. Read more about how Earth Day first began with this letter from its founder. The Earth Day Web site contains details on Earth Day history, activity ideas, and events. In addition, Earthday.gov is a government Web site providing information about Earth Day and other related events sponsored by Federal agencies.