July 28, 2003
VA Handbook 0055
ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM PROCEDURES
1. GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS. To meet the federal energy mandates identified in
paragraph 2.a. of the VA Energy Conservation Program Directive 0055, the Department will
implement an energy conservation program that reduces greenhouse gases, reduces energy
consumption, expands the use of renewable energy, reduces the use of petroleum, reduces
water consumption, develops and constructs energy-conserving buildings, and incorporates
the use of energy-efficient equipment in all VA facilities. To make certain all aspects of the
Department are properly accounted for, VA will require each administration and staff office to
implement broad strategies with specific measures. Each administration and staff office shall
develop annual reports and strategic plans for energy conservation to ensure that the following
goals are accomplished at all facilities. In addition to the federal mandates as listed below, VA
will establish energy conservation goals in the future.
a. Greenhouse Gases Reduction. Using life-cycle cost-effective measures, VA shall
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions attributed to facility energy use by 30 percent by 2010
compared to such emission levels in 1990.
b. Energy Efficiency Improvement. Through life-cycle cost-effective measures, VA shall
reduce energy consumption per gross square foot of its facilities, 35 percent by 2010, relative
to 1985 baseline data, or facilities identified as "energy intensive" can reduce energy
consumption 25 percent by 2010, relative to a 1990 baseline.
c. Renewable Energy. VA shall strive to expand the use of renewable (e.g., solar, wind,
water) energy within its facilities and in its activities by implementing renewable energy
projects and by purchasing electricity from renewable energy sources.
d. Petroleum. Through life-cycle cost-effective measures, VA shall reduce the use of
petroleum within its facilities. The reduction may be accomplished by switching to a less
greenhouse gas-intensive, non-petroleum-based energy source, such as natural gas or
renewable energy sources; by eliminating unnecessary fuel use; or by other appropriate
methods.
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