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Energy efficiency is the quickest, most cost-effective way to meet California's growing energy demands, while also reducing the impact buildings have on climate change.
Through his Green Building Initiative (Executive Order S-20-04), Governor Schwarzenegger directed state agencies to make state-owned facilities 20 percent more energy efficient by 2015.
An online handbook outlining the steps to be taken to implement and fund energy efficiency projects at state facilities is now available.
Why Build Green?
Through the Green Building Order, and the Green Building Action Plan, Governor Schwarzenegger has committed California to leading by example in improving the energy and environmental performance of existing and new state buildings.
Put simply, sustainable or "green building" is the practice of designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and removing buildings in ways that conserve natural resources and reduce their impact on climate change.
By implementing "green" or sustainable practices in the facilities it owns, leases, retrofits or maintains, California can reduce energy usage, conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while creating healthier places in which to work and conduct business.
Get Going Green!
Executive Order S-20-04, calls for reducing electricity consumption in State buildings 20 percent by 2015. Reaching that goal will include a combination of baselining and benchmarking the energy efficiency of State buildings, and commissioning or retro-commissioning facilities to ensure that energy systems are operated as efficiently as possible.
As part of the Green Building order, California is embracing the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. The State is reviewing its major planned construction projects and will seek to achieve LEED "Silver" certification for as many of the projects as feasible.
The Green Building Order also calls for State agencies to lease office space in buildings that have attained a U.S. EPA Energy Star rating.
Stay Current
Your agency or department can stay informed about the latest directives and accomplishments involving the Green Building Order via e-mail. Subscribe to this free service by clicking on the News & Events link and entering your e-mail address into the subscription box. Each time the News & Events page is updated, you will receive an e-mail notification.
Contact Us
If you have comments or questions, please contact us via e-mail at: green@dgs.ca.gov
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