Virginia Governor Signs Energy Efficiency Exec. Order

Governor Kaine Signs Executive Order to Improve Energy Efficiency and Reduce Environmental Impact of State Government

June 10, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today issued Executive Order 82, which will significantly expand efforts to reduce the energy and environmental impact of executive branch agencies and institutions. As part of the Governor's Renew Virginia initiative, this policy promotes energy and water efficient buildings, encourages reductions in employee travel and commuting, and will minimize the use of disposable materials.

Article continues below...

"Virginians are blessed to inhabit a state with tremendous natural beauty and abundant resources that support our economy," Governor Kaine said. "Because the Commonwealth's business operation is so large, any action we take to reduce our environmental impact will have a significant effect. I am hopeful that by reducing the environmental impact of government operations, the Commonwealth can inspire private businesses and individuals to adopt similar measures."
Green Commonwealth Challenge

As part of the Executive Order, Governor Kaine also issued the "Green Commonwealth Challenge" to engage the state workforce in the greening of government. Agencies and institutions that choose to participate will report to the Secretary of Natural Resources information such as the following for the period of June 15 through November 15, 2009:

* The number of in-person meetings avoided through the use of video conferences or conference calls, as well as an estimate of travel miles avoided
* The number of different materials included in the agency's recycling program
* Electricity bills for the months of July, August and September of 2008, as well as the months of July, August and September 2009

The Secretary of Natural Resources will develop a scoring system and provide guidelines for participating agencies, compile all the reports received by December 1, 2009, and announce the three highest-scoring agencies by December 15, 2009.

State employees are also invited to submit suggestions to reduce the state government's environmental impact to the Department of Human Resource Management's Employee Suggestion Program. The employee who submits the best idea, determined by the Chief of Staff and Secretaries of Administration and Natural Resources, will receive one day of annual leave.
Environmental Management Systems

Executive Order 82 directs all executive branch agencies and institutions to either develop an Environmental Management System (EMS) or adopt and post to their website a suite of policies concerning the use of energy and water, waste reduction and travel that will reduce costs and environmental impacts. If an EMS is not developed, adopted policies must include the following:

* Reduce energy use by powering down computers when not in use, turning off interior and exterior lights when not needed, and reducing after-hours use of heating and cooling systems.
* Reduce water use by eliminating leaks, minimizing use of water for irrigation through reduced frequency of watering, timing of watering, and use of drought-resistant grass and plants.
* Reduce waste by reducing consumption of paper and disposable supplies, increasing recycling of white and mixed paper, plastic, batteries, printer cartridges and aluminum.
* Reduce travel expenses by encouraging carpooling, video conferencing and conference calls, and by purchasing alternative fuels.

Green Buildings

The Governor also ordered all executive branch agencies and institutions entering the design phase for construction or renovation of a building to meet certain criteria to conform to LEED silver or Green Globes two-globe standards.

When a Commonwealth agency or institution is to lease space or build a new building in a metropolitan area with public transportation, it will seek to lease or build within a quarter mile of a transit or commuter rail stop and also seek locations that are pedestrian and bicycle accessible.
Procurement Standards

The Department of General Services and Virginia Information Technology Agency will develop specifications to encourage the use of recycled content, durable equipment and remanufactured components. Agencies will also work to reduce the use of toxic substances, such as cleansers, thereby minimizing the discharge of pollutants. Agencies must also work to reduce the volume and toxicity of packaging.

The Department of General Services will also require new vehicle and equipment standards, such as:

* Beginning July 1, 2010, the procurement of diesel fuel containing at least two percent biodiesel fuel or green diesel fuel, except for public safety agencies;
* Banning the purchase of individual sized plastic water bottles unless for emergency or health-related use;
* The purchase or leasing of Energy Star rated appliances and equipment, as previously required in Executive Order 48;
* The purchase of only recycled paper for use in copiers, faxes, printers and other office equipment, as previously required in Executive Order 48;
* The use of "Virginia Green" certified facilities for meetings attended by more than 50 people.

Commuting to Work

The Executive Order requires that all agencies implement transit and ridesharing incentive programs, such as incentivizing transit by providing free passes while charging employees for parking. Agencies and institutions should also use telecommuting to the fullest extent to mitigate traffic congestion and reduce emissions.

To encourage this initiative, Governor Kaine has declared Monday, August 3, 2009, a "Statewide Telework Day" and requests that the directors of state agencies and institutions as well as private sector employers allow as many citizens as possible to telecommute on that day.

Executive Order 82 expands on Executive Order 48, which Governor Kaine issued in April 2007. To view both executive orders, visit the Governor's website at: www.governor.virginia.gov.

Today's signing comes as Governor Kaine continues to move forward his "Renew Virginia" initiative, a series of legislative and executive actions focused on promoting renewable energy, creating green jobs, and encouraging preservation of the environment in the Commonwealth.

Source: Virginia Governor