Mail Handler Hilary Jackson uses hydrogen fuel technology to power a forklift at the Washington Network Distribution Center, where the Postal Service’s sustainability efforts were recently honored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy recently honored the Postal Service for its efforts to cut waste and energy costs and improve operations.

USPS received a Federal Energy and Water Management Award for its work at the Washington Network Distribution Center in Capitol Heights, MD.

Through a recent pilot program envisioned by Plant Manager Robert Borris and In-Plant Support Manager Sherman Williamson, the facility replaced lead acid batteries with cleaner hydrogen fuel cells in 92 powered industrial vehicles, including forklifts, tow motors and pallet jacks.

This reduced battery room electricity consumption by 81 percent and generated $188,000 in annual savings. The program also produced $625,000 in savings through reduced work hours.

“The Postal Service is one of the nation’s largest federal agencies, and we understand the importance of leading by example. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to reduce our carbon footprint through innovation and good environmental stewardship,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Tom Day.

USPS is one of 32 organizations, teams and individuals that received the awards, which were presented Oct. 23 during a ceremony in Washington, DC.

The Federal Energy and Water Management Awards site has more information about the program, while the Sustainability Blue page has details about the Postal Service’s other environmental efforts.