In a move characterized by the adage, “Physician heal thyself” the Department of Energy will expend $104 million for “clean” energy and conservation projects at 31 federal facilities.

Approximately $250 million will be disbursed in three tranches to be drawn from the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technology Program, established in 1992.  A 2021 Presidential Executive Order established targets to reduce emissions from federal operations by 65 percent in 2030 and 100 percent zero-emissions by 2035 for vehicles and net-zero for buildings by 2045. Approximately 300,000 buildings will become more energy efficient according to the White House Counsel on Environmental Quality.

Given that the Federal government is the country’s largest consumer of energy, improvements in the public sector will have benefits throughout the entire Nation.  Projects contemplated include installation of solar panels, heat pump systems, LED lights, PV film on windows and other upgrades.  It is estimated that since 2022 Federal buildings have reduced overall emissions by 40 percent compared to 2008, through reducing energy and water consumption.

Expenditure on energy conservation will transfer Federal funds to the private sector with manufacturers and contractors benefiting from expenditure on projects.