Overall Goals:
President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14057, issued in December 2021, sets forth the following objectives:
- Achieving 100% carbon pollution-free electricity annually by 2030, inclusive of 50% constant 24/7 carbon pollution-free electricity.
- Transitioning to 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035, with all light-duty vehicles being zero-emission by 2027.
- Attaining a net-zero emissions status for all federal buildings by 2045, targeting a 50% reduction in emissions by 2032.
- Reducing scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from Federal operations by 65% by 2030, compared to 2008, as per the Federal Greenhouse Gas Accounting and Reporting Guidance.
- Ensuring net-zero emissions in Federal procurement.
- Developing climate-resilient infrastructure and operations.
- Fostering a Federal workforce focused on climate and sustainability.
Background:
In December 2021, with Executive Order 14057, President Biden enhanced the initiatives of Executive Order 14008 from January 2021. These orders build upon prior U.S. policies like the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. They set benchmarks for federal buildings, fleets, procurement, infrastructure, and workforce, focusing on energy and equipment efficiency, building standards, emissions reduction, and the adoption of zero-emission electricity.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) introduced various targets and standards for reducing energy use in federal buildings. Executive Order 13423 in January 2007 expanded these targets, later supported by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007), which included a federal energy reduction goal of 30% by fiscal year 2015, mandated the purchase of Energy Star and Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated products, and required new federal buildings to exceed ASHRAE* standards or the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by 30%.
Renewable Electricity:
EO 14057 mandates federal facilities to use 100% carbon pollution-free electricity on a Net Annual basis by 2030, including 50% around the clock, generated within the same regional grid. This involves direct utility purchases, power purchase agreements, and onsite generation from Federal real property Assets. Details are provided in Section 1 of the Federal Sustainability Plan.
Energy Efficiency Goals:
EISA 2007 Section 431 enhanced the federal energy reduction goal from 2% to 3% annually, aiming for a 30% increase in efficiency by 2015 compared to 2003 levels. The energy consumption per gross square foot of federal buildings is expected to be reduced annually from 2006 to 2015. Post-2015, Executive Order 13693 set new targets, later revoked by EO 13834 and replaced by President Biden’s EO 14057.
Equipment Efficiency Requirements:
EPAct 2005 Section 104 requires federal agencies to buy Energy Star and FEMP-designated products and include energy-efficient specifications in procurement. The General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Department of Defense must display these products prominently.
Building Requirements:
EPAct 2005 Section 109 mandates new federal buildings to be 30% more efficient than ASHRAE standards or IECC. EO 14057 targets a 30% reduction in scope 1 emissions in applicable federal facilities, offering two pathways for compliance: zero on-site fossil fuel emissions or all-electric systems.
Solar Water Heating:
EISA 2007 Section 523 mandates federal buildings to meet at least 30% of their hot water demand through solar heating if cost-effective.
Procurement:
EO 14057 sets a goal for net-zero emissions from federal procurement by 2050. This includes new rules for Federal contractors regarding greenhouse gas emissions and the adoption of low carbon materials and sustainable products in procurement.
Vehicle Fleet:
EO 14057 aims for a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035, with light-duty vehicles reaching this target by 2027. Agencies must develop and update a zero-emission fleet strategy, including infrastructure planning and vehicle-to-grid technology considerations.
*ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
