Federal buildings are taking big steps towards more efficient operations – the EPA is honoring the efforts of more than 400 facilities that cut pollution, increased renewable energy usage, and reduced on energy costs as part of the Federal Green Challenge. Steps taken by the buildings have resulted in an estimated cost savings of over $24 million and reduced emissions equivalent to the annual GHG emissions of 190,000 vehicles.
As part of the challenge, participating facilities diverted over 390,000 tons of waste from landfills, saved almost 80 million gallons of water and 107 million cubic feet of natural gas, avoided purchasing 15,000 pounds of office paper, and recycled 450 tons’ worth of outdated electronics. The Federal Green Challenge is a part of the EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, with agencies striving for annual improvement in target areas such as waste, purchasing, energy, and water.
“The agencies who participate in EPA’s Federal Green Challenge are green leaders, reducing pollution, realizing significant cost savings, and making green improvements that will leave a healthier planet for future generations,” says Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.
Learn more about the Federal Green Challenge here.
