Tools for Local Governments
Save Energy and Money
Reaching California's goal of 80% reductions in emissions by 2050 will be a challenge. However, many local governments are not aware that nearly one-third of the energy used to run a typical government building goes to waste and could easily be conserved through energy efficiency measures, lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and moving California towards its ultimate GHG reduction goals. Furthermore, taking steps to increase energy efficiency can translate into savings of $0.40 per square foot, allowing local governments to spend hard-earned tax dollars on more productive things than wasted energy.
Government agencies in the United States spend more than $10 billion a year on energy to provide public services and meet constituent needs. For America's primary and secondary schools alone, the annual energy cost is a staggering $6 billion – more than is spent on textbooks and computers combined.
Improvements in energy efficiency can often be attained through no-cost or low-cost projects, which have multiple benefits including:
- Reducing energy costs and GHG emissions
- Improving visual acuity (better vision helps workers complete tasks and reduce eyestrain)
- Improving indoor air quality (this prevents risk of and liability for health problems like sick building syndrome and building-related illnesses)
- Enhancing the indoor environment of a building and increasing worker morale and productivity
- Less employee turnover – studies suggest that many energy efficiency measures can reduce absenteeism due to health issues and help prevent onsite accidents
- Attracting the best and the brightest workers – not surprising since up to 90% of our time is spent indoors
Across the United States, these benefits to worker performance could equal tens of billions of dollars each year going to better use and preventing government waste as well as helping to stop global warming.