VA Strategic Plan FY 2010-2014 - US Department of Veterans Affairs

Chapter 3: Executing the Plan | Suppor ting InitiativesPage 95Establish enterprise energy cost reduction — Greening VA.Organizational Lead: OM Supporting Organizations: VHA/VBA/NCA/OIT/OALC andother Staff OfficesStatement of the Challenge or Problem:VA manages over 1,600 facilities that provide benefits and service to Veterans. Many ofthese facilities were built when the cost of fossil fuels was comparatively low, and theyconsume large amounts of energy. The cost of energy is rising as supplies dwindle,and much more is known about the harmful environmental effects of greenhouse gasemissions that are associated with these energy sources. To fulfill our mission and obtainthe best value for resources, VA must reduce our consumption of non-renewable resources,and begin developing alternative sources.Purpose of the Initiative:The purpose of this initiative is to reduce fossil fuel dependence by improvingmanagement, promoting greater use of sustainable products, investing in renewablesources of energy, adopting more efficient business processes, and changingprocurement policies.Intended Outcome of the Initiative:This initiative will reduce VA’s energy and environmental footprint and generate costsavings that can be used to provide more and better services to our nation’s Veterans andtheir families.IntegratedOBJECTIVE 3.Build ourinternal capacityto serve Veterans,their families, ouremployees, andother stakeholdersefficiently andeffectivelyIntegratedStrategy3(c)Create andmaintain aneffective, integrated,Department‐widemanagementcapability to makedata‐driven decisions,allocate resources, andmanage resultsInitiative Performance Measure, Strategic Target, and Estimated Completion Date:• Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 50% more than mandated betweenFY 2010 and FY 2020.• Reduce energy use intensity by 3% (base year 2003) and water use intensity2% (base year 2007) annually.• Reduce utility costs by at least 2% between FY 2009 and FY 2012.Strategic Plan FY 2010 – 2014