This December, the Department of the Interior (DOI) released its 2013 Sustainability Plan, which aims to cut energy use and waste throughout the Department.  The plan responds to President Obama’s 2013 Climate Action Plan, which directs federal agencies to reduce carbon pollution and prepare for the impacts of climate change, and to Executive Order 13514, issued in 2009, which requires agencies to improve energy efficiency and conservation while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  The plan notes the challenges of dealing with DOI’s many older buildings and the issue of financing improvements, nonetheless the Department is on track to meet targets such as reducing petroleum and water use.

President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum on December 5, 2013, directing agencies to acquire 20% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Renewable sources accounted for 8.6% of DOI’s electricity in FY 2012.

Sources: DOI, White House