July 28, 2003
VA Directive 0055
VA ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM
1. PURPOSE. This directive establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) energy
conservation program (VAECP). Its purpose is to develop a comprehensive Department-wide
energy policy that addresses commodity acquisition, energy investments, and conservation
strategies to comply with federal energy mandates as well as support internal energy initiatives
and achieve VA energy goals.
2. POLICY. This directive sets forth Department-wide energy direction for all VA
administrations and staff offices, and government-owned, contractor-operated facilities to
ensure compliance. This directive addresses the following areas: energy goals, commodity
acquisition, energy investment, reporting, management tools, and responsibilities. This policy
also establishes requirements applicable to VA capital programs including the use of
appropriated funds (major construction, minor construction, non-recurring maintenance), and
third-party alternative financing (enhanced-use leases, energy savings performance contracts,
and utility energy savings contracts).
a. Energy Goals and Requirements. The VAECP goals and requirements provide a
common basis for all administrations and staff offices to comply with the measures outlined in
this policy, which include all federally mandated goals and requirements as well as those to be
established by VA in the future. The goals and their annual indicators of progress will be the
standard for evaluation of the effectiveness of the VAECP. The program ensures efficiency in
all aspects of the following: building design and operation; energy consumption; water
conservation; and usage of emerging technologies. Through implementation of life-cycle cost-
effective investments, VA intends to meet and exceed all mandated goals and requirements as
set forth in the following:
(1) Executive Order 13123, "Greening the Government Through Efficient Energy
Management;"
(2) Executive Order 13148, "Greening the Government Through Leadership in
Environmental Management;"
(3) Executive Order 13149, "Greening the Government Through Federal Fleet and
Transportation Efficiency;"
(4) National Energy Policy Act of 1992 (NEPACT);
(5) Office of Management and Budget Circular A-11; Exhibit 55, "Energy and
Transportation Efficiency Management;" and
(6) VA-established goals for electrical production and utilization, water and cost utilization.
b. Commodity Acquisition. Commodity acquisition assessments (CAA) will be
performed to evaluate all current rate structures and to ensure that all cost savings
opportunities are being explored. Administrations and staff offices will provide short- and long-
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