Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, in Oklahoma City for saving money, improving lives and protecting the planet by participating in the Federal Green Challenge (FGC). FAA and its employees were innovative in reducing water usage by 35 percent by using water-saving measures to replace water valves with higher efficiency valves and replacing old equipment with higher efficiency equipment. Nationally, six awards were given to organizations for their innovations in addressing climate change.
“I am pleased to recognize the Federal Aviation Administration for its outstanding leadership to reduce their environmental footprint,” said EPA’s Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “The actions taken by FAA demonstrate the passion and innovative thinking that will lead us to a greener future.”
In 2013, over 400 participating federal facilities, about 1.6 million federal employees, reduced their environmental footprint, which in many cases also resulted in significant cost savings. Federal offices participated by selecting a minimum of two of the six target areas —waste, electronics, purchasing, energy, water, or transportation. At least one of the selected target areas must be waste, electronics, or purchasing.
“Water is a precious resource and one that we, as Americans, often take for granted. At the FAA we know that living green means living healthy and ultimately, living longer. I am so proud of our team and the work they have done to make these savings possible,” said Michelle Coppedge, Director of the FAA Aeronautical Center.
The FGC is a national effort under EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management program that challenges federal agencies throughout the country to lead by example in reducing the federal government’s environmental impact. Federal agencies are recognized through the FGC for outstanding efforts that go beyond regulatory compliance and strive for annual improvements in selected areas.
These combined efforts resulted in an estimated cost savings of more than $42 million to the U.S. taxpayer.
You can reduce your environmental footprint by motivating co-workers to reduce energy, save water and recycle waste. Help influence change at your workplace by implementing sustainability into your daily practices.
