NOAA Energy Management Program Overview
The NOAA Satellite Operations Facility, located in Suitland, MD, was designed under the auspices of GSA's Design Excellence Program and received the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Gold rating. More information about NSOF's sustainable design features from GSA.
As the leader in understanding and predicting changes in the Earth's environment and managing coastal and marine resources, NOAA has the opportunity to be a leader in promoting the sustainable use of Earth's resources. Practicing and demonstrating environmentally sound business practices can and should become an intrinsic part of NOAA's organizational culture that is apparent to our employees and surrounding communities.
The NOAA's energy program focuses on reducing NOAA's consumption of energy, natural resources, and manufactured materials, as well as its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions, other air and water pollution, and landfills.
For more detailed information see the NOAA Energy Program site or contact Jennifer Shaltanis, Sustainability Program Manager in the Safety and Environmental Compliance Office.
Energy Management News
Deadline for the DOC Energy and Environmental Award Nominations,
and DOE/FEMP Energy and Water Awards Extended to March 15, 2011
DOC has just announced an extension to the 2011 DOC Energy and Environmental Award Nominations and the annual call for nominations for DOE/FEMP 2011 Energy and Water Awards. This year the two awards programs are somewhat integrated; that is, DOC award nominations (energy and environmental) will be fed into the DOE/FEMP Award nominations. SECO strongly encourages your Line Offices participation in these important recognition programs to highlight the good work being done!
The following provides more information regarding the submission requirements:
- DOC Energy and Environmental Awards: the nomination deadline (originally February 15, 2011) has been extended. Please submit your office’s nominations no later than Tuesday, March 15, 2011 to Emily.Johannes@noaa.gov. See the attached DOC guidance for the submission instructions. Any nominations sent up to SECO must be coordinated appropriately within your Line Office and requires an SES signature. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Johannes at emily.johannes@noaa.gov or 301-713-2870 x132.
- DOE/FEMP Energy and Water Awards: please submit your nominations no later than Tuesday, March 15, 2011 to Jennifer.Shaltanis@noaa.gov. See the attached award criteria package for the submission guidance. Any nominations sent up to SECO must be coordinated appropriately within your Line Office and requires an SES signature. Please note the award guidelines have changed from last year, if you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Shaltanis, Jennifer.Shaltanis@noaa.gov or 301-713-2870 x111. The DOE/FEMP Criteria and Guidelines are also posted on FEMP's Federal Awards Web page.
Current Programs
OCAO Green Buildings Grant Program
The NOAA Green Buildings Grant Program is designed to stimulate internal greening efforts within NOAA by partially offsetting investment costs required to achieve energy or conservation objectives. More information is available at the Green Grant Program.
- Applications due Feb. 4, 2011
- Awards announced late March 2011
NOAA-wide Energy Program Goals and Metrics
As required of Federal agencies, NOAA must meet a number of energy, water, greenhouse gas emissions, fuels, and sustainability management requirements.
Investigation of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) at NOAA facilities
Develop institutional contract language and cost analysis for managing ESPCs.
Updated Energy Training
Incorporate energy training as part of SECO Safety and Environmental Compliance Training for all NOAA employees before the end of FY11.
SECO and DOC review of technologies to reduce energy intensity.
Will be used to update lease requirements, and recommend hardware and best management practices to reduce energy use.
DOC Mid-Year EO 13513 Reporting Requirement, due Spring 2011
EO 13514 Annual Reporting Requirement, via the Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan reporting, due late 2011, and includes:
- Green House Gas Emissions
- Energy consumption
- Renewable Energy Generation and Credits
- Progress in Sustainable Buildings Inventory
Federal Energy Requirements Crosswalk
A program in partnership with DOE NREL to produce a suite of products, including Sustainable Buildings Design guidance, to help managers meet Federal energy requirements.
Directives Supporting Energy Management
Executive Order (EO) 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance
"In order to create a clean energy economy that will increase our Nation's prosperity, promote energy security, protect the interests of taxpayers, and safeguard the health of our environment, the Federal Government must lead by example. It is therefore the policy of the United States that Federal agencies shall increase energy efficiency; measure, report, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions from direct and indirect activities; conserve and protect water resources through efficiency, reuse, and stormwater management; eliminate waste, recycle, and prevent pollution; leverage agency acquisitions to foster markets for sustainable technologies and environmentally preferable materials, products, and services; design, construct, maintain, and operate high performance sustainable buildings in sustainable locations; strengthen the vitality and livability of the communities in which Federal facilities are located; and inform Federal employees about and involve them in the achievement of these goals." (Full Text)
NOAA's Next-Generation Strategic Plan
Objective: Modern, safe, and sustainable facilities. NOAA is committed to modernizing its facilities, and creating sustainable, energy-efficient, safe, and secure work environments. Reducing NOAA’s carbon footprint and energy costs through the use of sustainable design of new facilities and investments in energy-efficient building systems will be key strategies for more effective energy stewardship of NOAA facilities. (Full Text)