WASHINGTON — The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) increased its energy efficiency and reduced pollution according to a recently released sustainability and energy performance scorecard for fiscal year 2012.

“Going green saves green, and at a time of shrinking budgets GSA remains committed to helping government cut costs by increasing sustainability,” said acting administrator Dan Tangherlini. “GSA continues to demonstrate ongoing progress towards implementing President Obama’s executive order targets, and is uniquely positioned to help other federal agencies meet their goals.”

GSA has worked to green federal buildings through the use of innovative technologies such as solar panels, advanced lighting systems, geothermal technology, wind power, and low-flow plumbing systems.

Last year, GSA reduced water usage in buildings by nearly 20 percent from fiscal year (FY) 2007, ahead of its goal of 10 percent, leading to a cost avoidance of approximately $6.5 million. GSA avoided spending $65.5 million on energy in FY 2012 by reducing energy use intensity levels in its buildings by nearly 25 percent from FY 2003, ahead of its goal of 21 percent. The agency also exceeded its FY 2020 greenhouse gas reduction target in FY 2012, reducing emissions by more than 35 percent from FY 2008 levels, equivalent to taking 162,000 vehicles off the road for a year.

Publication date: 8/19/2013 

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