EERE leads a robust network of researchers and other partners to continually develop cost-effective energy-saving solutions that help make our country run better through increased efficiency — promoting better plants, manufacturing processes, and products; more efficient new homes and improved older homes; and other solutions to enhance the buildings in which we work, shop, and lead our everyday lives.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) plays a critical role in reducing energy use and increasing the use of renewable energy at federal agencies. The U.S. federal government is the nation's largest user of energy, and it has both a tremendous opportunity and an acknowledged responsibility to lead by example in saving energy. Thanks in part to the technical assistance provided by FEMP, the energy intensity of federal facilities has decreased by roughly 45% since 1975. FEMP also helps federal agencies with funding mechanisms for their projects, such as energy-saving performance contracts (ESPCs), under which a contractor pays the up-front cost of improvements and is repaid through a portion of the energy savings. From 2009 to 2011, FEMP arranged ESPCs that saved taxpayers more than $3.5 billion in federal energy costs.
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Federal Energy Management
Services, tools, and expertise to help federal agencies achieve energy efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction, and water goals
Weatherization and Intergovernmental
Formula grant funding and technical assistance for state and local governments to manage weatherization and clean energy programs
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in the States
Renewable energy resource maps and energy information organized by state
Financial and technical assistance to tribes to reduce their energy consumption
Reducing petroleum use in community vehicle fleets
Leading the Department of Energy’s sustainability efforts by example by enhancing efficiency gains, expanding clean energy, evolving sustainable campuses, and engaging employees and the DOE community