State Buildings Energy Reduction Plan

Summary

In 2014, the Governor McAuliffe signed the Executive Order 31, establishing a goal to reduce electricity consumption in state facilities by 15% by 2017, using 2009-2010 baseline. The order mandates all state agencies to proactively pursue energy efficiency measures- especially Energy Performance Contracting (EPC). EPC is a financing technique that uses cost savings from reduced energy consumption to repay for the cost of installing energy efficiency measures in the future. State agencies are also required to assess whether EPC is appropriate for the agency, and must conduct a general audit with a goal of implementing an EPC by 2016. The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) is responsible for providing technical support to agencies to achieve the goals. The latest information is available at the DMME web site.

The Executive Order 31 builds upon previous Executive Order 82 (2007) and Executive Order 48 (2007) that set out to reduce non-renewable energy purchases and increase overall energy savings. EO 82 required that new buildings and major renovations be built to LEED Silver or Green Globes Two Globes Standards. Agencies and institutions were instructed to purchase or lease ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and equipment. The order also instructed the Commonwealth to encourage the private sector to adopt energy-efficient building standards by giving preference when leasing facilities for state use to facilities meeting LEED Silver or Green Globes Two Globes standards.