Energy Conservation in Federal Buildings: The Department of Energy's Role

To date, most Federal Government energy savings have been achieved through relatively simple measures such as reducing equipment operating hours, adjusting thermostats, turning off lights, and some actions to retrofit existing buildings to make them more energy efficient. The Department of Energy (DOE) has reported that Federal energy use between 1973 and 1975 was reduced by over 26 percent. Since 1975, however, energy reductions have not been so dramatic. It is suggested that DOE should become more fully committed to fulfilling the planning requirements of the Federal Energy Management Program. DOE has declined to take a leadership role in promoting conservation within the Federal Government. With respect to the use of solar technology, DOE has developed neither a comprehensive plan nor a strategy to guide solar energy efforts in Federal buildings. Further, DOE does not appear to be giving the Federal buildings solar program the support necessary to achieve its ambitious objectives. Under the Solar in Federal Buildings Program, the President expects that an estimated 350 solar systems will be placed in Federal buildings and facilities by the end of the fiscal year 1980. However, the draft 10-year plan of DOE does not present the use of solar technology as a viable conservation option. The rules proposed by DOE for preliminary energy audits of Federal buildings do not appear to promote retrofit projects which include energy conservation measures and solar technology. The rules will not fulfill the President's expectations that these audits will identify the extent to which the Federal Government can use solar equipment beyond applications already underway. DOE has consistently refused to undertake the role of leader for Federal energy conservation efforts.