The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring the General Services Administration (GSA) U.S. Custom House Building in New Orleans, for saving money, improving lives and protecting the planet by participating in the Federal Green Challenge (FGC). GSA and its tenants reduced their usage of potable water from 2,699,100 gallons in 2012 to 1,376,000 gallons in 2013, resulting in a 49 percent improvement. Nationally, six awards were given to organizations for their leadership in addressing climate change by reducing water use.
“I am pleased to recognize the General Services Administration for its outstanding leadership to reduce their environmental footprint,” said EPA’s Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “The actions taken by GSA 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.
From Regional Administrator Sylvia Hernandez, “Our achievements in the Federal Green Challenge reflect GSA’s commitment to making a more sustainable government. Meeting the FGC goals in the areas of waste, water and purchasing contribute to reducing our environmental footprint and result in cost savings to the American taxpayer. I am proud to represent an agency that strives to deliver the best value in real estate and acquisition services.”
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.
