Federal Buildings Lead the Way to Carbon Emissions Reduction by 2050
At the end of 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14057, which stated that the Federal Government would work towards achieving net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050. Some of the goals include a 50% emissions-building portfolio reduction by 2032.
Recently, the data reports of the Executive Order for the year 2022 have been released. The picture below shows the results.
From 2020 to 2022, there has been a clear increase in the square footage of sustainable federal buildings, showing a consistent upward trend towards the goals set by Executive Order 14057. Additionally, there is an increase of 1,281 sustainable federal buildings in 2022, reflecting a 43% growth from the previous year. The total number of federal buildings is over 21,000 with nearly 20% being assessed as sustainable, a jump from the earlier years before the passing of the Executive Order. This expansion aligns with the mandate to enhance energy efficiency, and the broader need to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability in federal infrastructure.
Federal Center South 1202, Seattle, WA
Image from: https://www.archdaily.com/447019/federal-center-south-building-1202-zgf-architects
A prime example of sustainable federal government buildings is the Federal Center South 1202 project designed by ZGF. This project converted a 1940s warehouse on a contaminated site into a state-of-the-art workplace for the General Services Administration and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Designed to exceed LEED Gold standards, the building incorporates advanced energy-efficient systems and strategies, including a central atrium for natural light and innovative HVAC technology. As a result, it consumes a mere 25.6 Kbtu/sf/year, earning an Energy Star Score of 100 and ranking among the top 1% of similar buildings nationwide.
What are the Implications for Energy Consulting? As the federal government advances its sustainability initiatives, energy consulting firms have a pivotal role to play. The continued increase in sustainable building space reflects the rising demand for expertise in renewable energy integration and sustainable design practices. Our team has extensive experience in navigating complex landscapes. By partnering with us, you gain access to innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies that will optimize your building's performance and contribute to a more sustainable future. Let us help you achieve your sustainability goals—together, we can make a lasting impact.
Reference:
Office of the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) website.
