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In response to rising concerns about energy prices, reliance on imported oil, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, many governors are instituting “lead by example” measures that help their states achieve replicable cost and energy savings and that demonstrate their commitment to greener, cleaner state government. Given that state and local governments spend more than $11 billion a year on building-related energy costs1 and more than $2.5 billion a year on operations and maintenance for some 500,000 state-owned vehicles,2 the opportunities for savings are significant. Lead by example clean energy initiatives can decrease state building and fleet operations costs, educate state employees and the public, and provide other benefits, such as lower GHG emissions, that can inspire and inform citizens and the private sector alike. Governors are leading by example through the following types of actions: - Procuring energy efficient appliances and equipment for public facilities, such as advanced lighting and energy efficient computers that use less power;
- Establishing energy efficiency performance standards for new and existing public buildings, setting energy consumption goals, and implementing design standards for building energy performance;
- Purchasing clean energy for public facilities or increasing the use of onsite generation from renewable energy systems;
- Implementing “green fleets” programs by setting alternative fuel standards for state government vehicles and establishing alternative fuel or energy efficient vehicle purchasing requirements; and
- Setting overall GHG emissions reduction targets for state operations.
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