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POC: Kristin Gillham, Director, Office of Enterprise Support Programs, HHS/OS/ASA/PSC/FLS Contact Information: (202)619-3690, kristin.gillham@hhs.gov
Attachment 5 mailto:kristin.gillham@hhs.gov�
US Department of Health and Human Services 2013 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan
Contents Agency Policy Statement
Executive Summary
Vision
Leadership
Summary of Agency Performance on Executive Order 13514 Goals
Goal 1 – Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction
Goal 2 – Sustainable Buildings
Goal 3 – Fleet Management
Goal 4 – Water Use Efficiency & Management
Goal 5 – Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction
Goal 6 – Sustainable Acquisition
Goal 7 – Electronic Stewardship and Data Centers
Goal 8 – Renewable Energy
Goal 9 – Climate Change Resilience
Progress on Administration Priorities
Table 1: Agency Size & Scope
GOAL 1 – GHG Reductions
Agency Progress toward Scope 1 & 2 GHG Goals
Table 1-1: Goal 1 Strategies - Scope 1 & 2 GHG Reductions
Table 1-1a: Additional Scope 1 & 2 GHG Reduction Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
Agency Progress Toward Scope 3 GHG Goals
Table 1-2: Goal 1 Strategies - Scope 3 GHG Reductions
Table 1-2a: Additional Scope 3 Reduction Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 2 – Sustainable Buildings
Agency Progress toward Facility Energy Intensity Reduction Goal
Agency Progress toward Total Buildings Meeting the Guiding Principles
Table 2: Goal 2 Strategies – Sustainable Buildings
Table 2a: Additional Sustainable Buildings Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 3 – Fleet Management
Agency Progress toward Fleet Petroleum Use Reduction Goal
Agency Progress toward Fleet Alternative Fuel Consumption Goal
Table 3: Goal 3 Strategies – Fleet Management
Table 3a: Additional Fleet Management Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 4 – Water Use Intensity
Agency Progress toward Potable Water Intensity Reduction Goal
Table 4: Goal 4 Strategies – Water Use Efficiency & Management
Table 4a: Additional Water Use Efficiency & Management Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 5 – Pollution Prevention & Waste Reduction
Agency Progress toward Pollution Prevention & Waste Reduction
Table 5: Goal 5 Strategies – Pollution Prevention & Waste Reduction
Table 5a: Additional Pollution Prevention & Waste Reduction Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 6 – Sustainable Acquisition
Agency Progress toward Sustainable Acquisition Goal
Federal Procurement Data System Standard Reports on Biopreferred Procurement Actions
Table 6: Goal 6 Strategies – Sustainable Acquisition
Table 6a: Additional Sustainable Acquisition Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 7 – Electronic Stewardship
Agency Progress toward EPEAT, Power Management & End of Life Goals
Table 7: Goal 7 Strategies – Electronic Stewardship & Data Centers
Table 7a: Additional Electronic Stewardship & Data Centers Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 8 – Renewable Energy
Agency Renewable Energy Percentage of Total Electricity Usage
Table 8: Goal 8 Strategies – Renewable Energy
Table 8a: Additional Renewable Energy Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
GOAL 9 – Climate Change Resilience
Agency Climate Change Resilience
Table 9: Goal 9 Strategies – Climate Change Resilience
Table 9a: Additional Climate Change Resilience Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy45
Appendix A: FY12 HHS Green Champions Winners
Appendix B: HHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan
US Department of Health and Human Services Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation Policy Statement
June 27, 2013
When President Obama signed Executive Order 13514 on October 5, 2009, he committed the Federal Government to take a leadership role in promoting sustainability and responding to the threats of climate change.
Since then, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has made real progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water and other key resources, and evaluating risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change’s short and long-term effects.
A number of scientific panels, including the U.S. Global Change Research Program and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have published data indicating that climate change is already negatively affecting human health in the United States, and is likely to have harmful effects on human health in the future. Hazards linked to climate change include more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, wildfires, heavy rainfall, and flooding;
changes in the rates and ranges of infectious and allergic diseases; and threats to communities from rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Although climate change may reduce certain health risks, it will likely worsen many existing health threats while also introducing new problems. Individuals and communities with underlying vulnerabilities, such as being impoverished, experiencing disproportionate environmental exposures, having pre-existing health, including behavioral health, conditions, being very young or old, or living in geographically vulnerable areas, will be at the greatest risk of harm. HHS’s responsibility is to protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. As such, our Department has two critical roles to play, reducing our own environmental impact while also facilitating understanding of and adaptation to climate change. Through these actions, we will set the example of responsible stewardship and improve individual and community resilience, supporting a healthier future for the American people.
With our Department’s completion of the 2013 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, HHS expresses its continued commitment to comply with environmental, energy, and public health statutes, regulations, and Executive Orders. We are committed to leading the way on implementation of sustainable practices, provision of climate-resilient health and human services, and support of scientific research focused on environmental and public health, including research on the effects of climate change on human health and well-being.
Our Department understands that the health and well-being of people in the United States depends in part on healthy and sustainable environments, both natural and man-made. We are committed to taking a leadership role in researching and communicating the relationship between the health of our citizens and the health of our environment. Through our past accomplishments and future commitments, the Department of Health and Human Services will lead the way toward a healthy future for all Americans.
Kathleen Sebelius Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Executive Summary
Vision
The first HHS Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, published in 2010, clearly and emphatically stated HHS’ policy and intention to lead development and implementation of health-related sustainability goals across the federal government:
“The Mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is “…to protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.” Sustainability has been defined as “the enduring prosperity of all living things.” By this measure, sustainability is directly linked to the health of humans, the health of the environment, and the health of economic systems that support and promote our well-being. This triple bottom line – human health, environmental health and economic health – is integral to HHS’ mission and the sustainability mandate of Executive Order (EO) 13514. Just as the Department of Energy (DOE) leads initiatives relating to energy reduction, HHS leads initiatives relating to health and well-being. As a key part of the federal community, HHS must assume a leadership role in promoting sustainability in government and public operations. Sustainability is integral to the HHS mission.”
Since its first plan in 2010, the Department has continued to update and adjust its approach to sustainability and climate resilience. HHS was heavily goal-focused in the first two years, helping HHS partners understand the specific Executive Order (EO) 13514 goals, collecting baseline data, and drafting plans and milestones to achieve the long term objectives. In 2012, HHS began focusing more on implementation through the development of Sustainability Implementation Plans (SIPs) for its four land-holding divisions (FDA, CDC, NIH and IHS) and “Green Office Guides” for the non-landholding divisions. Also in 2012, HHS conducted and published a high-level vulnerability assessment and HHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan to lay the foundation for adaptation and resilience efforts.
While HHS has made significant progress since 2010, the Department recognizes a gap between the conceptualization of its Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plans and the actual implementation of those plans within health and human service programs. In 2013, HHS is shifting to a more strategic, cross-cutting oversight team. HHS’s Sustainability and Climate Resilience Task Force, which already includes the Operating Division Chief Sustainability Officers, will also incorporate health program leadership, grants and strategic planning experts, and experts on the health and infrastructure impacts of climate change.
This year, HHS established a 10th sustainability goal, Integration of Sustainability and Climate Change Resilience into the HHS Mission, to ensure that sustainability efforts are incorporated into the Department’s health and human services mission. In addition to integrating sustainability concepts into internal and external policies and procedures, HHS will work to better educate its grantees on sustainability and climate resilience-related guidance and best practices and will build partnerships with complementary programs such as the National Prevention Strategy, Environmental Justice Strategy, Healthy People 2020, and others shown in Figure 1.
http://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/BRACE.htm�
Sustainable and Resilient Communities
Environmental Justice Strategy
Healthy People
National Health Security Strategy
Let’s Move!
Action Plan to Reduce Health
Disparities
National Prevention
Strategy
Figure 1. Program Integration to Develop Sustainable & Resilient Communities
Leadership
The Assistant Secretary for Administration (ASA) serves as the HHS Senior Sustainability Officer (SSO) to lead and oversee all aspects of HHS’ plan. The SSO’s key partners and program champions are:
• Operating Division Chief Sustainability Officers
• Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH)
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIH/NIEHS)
• Chief Acquisition Officer (ASFR/OGAPA
• Chief Procurement Officer
• Chief Financial Officer (ASFR/OF)
• Chief Information Officer (OCIO)
• Senior Real Property Officer (ASA/PSC)
Summary of Agency Performance on Executive Order 13514 Goals
Goal 1 – Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction
For Scope 1&2 GHG Reduction Target of 10.3% by 2020: 14.7% reduction in 2012 and on track
For Scope 3 GHG Reduction Target of 3.3% by 2020: 9.5% reduction in 2012 and on track
To achieve the HHS GHG reduction targets, HHS has focused on reducing energy use for Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions and reducing employee travel for Scope 3 emissions. HHS has achieved the FY 2020 GHG emissions reductions goals for Scope 1 & 2 and Scope 3 emissions.
• In FY 2010, HHS established a Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions
Greenhouse Gases - Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride)
Scope 1 - Direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the federal agency.
Scope 2 - Direct greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the generation of electricity, heat or steam purchased by the federal agency.
Scope 3 - Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from sources not owned or directly controlled by a federal agency but related to agency activities, such as vendor supply chains, delivery services and employee travel and commuting.
reduction target of 10.3% by FY 2020 as compared to the FY 2008 baseline year. As of FY 2012, HHS has reduced Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 14.7% when compared to FY 2008.
• In FY 2010, HHS established a target to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions 3.3% by FY 2020 as compared to the FY 2008 baseline year. As of FY 2012, HHS has reduced Scope 3 GHG emissions by 9.5% when compared to FY 2008.
• Since FY 2010, HHS developed and maintained a Department-wide GHG inventory addressing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in accordance with EO 13514 and Federal GHG Accounting and Reporting Guidance. HHS has also developed a Greenhouse Gas Inventory Management Plan to accompany the inventory.
• HHS made significant strides in FY 2012 in limiting assumptions and relying on actual data, particularly in Scope 3 reporting.
• In FY 2012, HHS began assessing the use of the General Services Administration (GSA) Carbon Footprint Tool for GHG inventory reporting, and the Department will continue that assessment in FY 2013.
• HHS uses alternative financing contracts to implement large-scale facility energy efficiency upgrades.
• Per the December 2011 Presidential Memorandum, “Implementation of Energy Savings Projects and
Performance-Based Contracting for Energy Savings,” HHS committed to an estimated $59.6M of alternative financing contracts. To date, $2M has been awarded, and we expect to award the remaining $57M by December 2013. Of these contracts, $13.6M comes through Utility Energy Service Contracts and $46M through a Department of Energy (DOE) Super Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) vehicle.
• To lower Scope 3 GHG emissions by reducing employee commuting and travel, HHS is implementing Operating Division (OPDIV) specific initiatives that will increase participation in telework. CDC implemented the Telework Management System (TMS) in FY2011 to centralize the tracking of employee participation, including the number of days participating per two week period and employee commute mileage. CDC currently boasts as 42% employee participation rate in telework. Similar to the success seen at CDC in 2011, in 2012, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) developed and implemented an online automated system for approving telework agreements, providing training to all employees who are telework-eligible as well as to their supervisors.
• HHS is also developing a new IT system called ”CAPS.“ This system will incorporate all employee commuting options (vehicle, carpool, mass transit, vanpool, and bicycle) and will capture commute survey information that will be used to calculate Scope 3 GHG for commuting. CAPS will also have a module called “Rideshare” that will allow all active, registered NIH personnel to find carpool/vanpools in their area.
Goal 2 – Sustainable Buildings
Only .073% of HHS facilities demonstrate compliance with Guiding Principles on new construction, major renovations, or leases; not on track to meet 15% goal by 2015
Reduction of energy use intensity as compared by FY 2003: 22.4% and on track for 30% by FY 2015
HHS has reduced energy intensity in its facilities, most of which are energy-intensive laboratories and medical facilities. The Department is on track to meet EO 13514 reduction mandates. However, HHS is lagging on the EO 13514 requirements that 15% of new, existing, and leased buildings be compliant with the Guiding Principles for Federal Leadership in High-Performance and Sustainable Buildings (“Guiding Principles”) by FY 2015.
HHS will continue to investigate the link between the built environment and human health, explored in the groundbreaking, April 2013 Health in Buildings Roundtable (HiBR) Conference, that included social and behavioral psychologists; researchers in toxicology, environmental medicine and public health; experts in architecture; and practicing physicians. Participants discussed aspects of the built environment that are detrimental to human health as well as design elements that can support improved human health, to create a foundation for establishing a new agenda for public health research and policy.
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/Guiding_Principles.pdf� http://www.energystar.gov/ia/business/Guiding_Principles.pdf�
In FY13, HHS will focus facilities-related sustainability and climate resilience efforts under a “sustainable facilities” umbrella, overseen by the HHS Senior Real Property Officer and OPDIV counterparts. While Communities of Practices (COP) will continue for program areas, this streamlining will help prioritize cross-cutting goals and initiatives.
• HHS is on track to meet the energy use intensity reduction of 30% by FY 2015. As of FY 2012, HHS has reduced energy use intensity by 22.4% when compared to FY 2003.
• HHS is not on track to meet the FY 2015 goal that 15% of new, existing, and leased buildings be compliant with the Guiding Principles. The 2013 goal is 9%; however, currently only 0.73% of HHS buildings comply.
The goal to incorporate Guiding Principles into at least 9% of GSF of building inventory over 5,000 GSF was also not met. The HHS total for 2012 was 3.9%.
• To improve incorporation of the Guiding Principles, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed a comprehensive Green Building Strategic Plan that identifies the assets most likely to achieve the 15% requirement. FDA also continues to work on projects that reduce the Backlog of Maintenance and Repair (BMAR) and improve compliance with the Guiding Principles. The Indian Health Service (HIS) has integrated sustainability assessments with energy and water assessments to maximize funding and meet multiple requirements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will incorporate sustainability assessments into Health Impact Assessments in facilities, which will combine sustainability requirements with health mission requirements.
Goal 3 – Fleet Management
Reduction in fleet petroleum use compared to 2005: 33.4% and on track for 20% by 2015
HHS is reviewing its Fleet Management Program to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of fleet assets across the Department. With most of the fleet sustainability goals on track, HHS will be focused on ways to reduce and/or better align assets to meet the needs of the agency while saving money, mitigating risk, and minimizing the program’s negative impact on the environment. HHS has reduced petroleum use and increased alternative fuel use in the fleet vehicles.
• As of FY 2012, petroleum fuel use has decreased by 33% as compared to the FY 2005 baseline, an achievement better than the 30% required reduction by FY 2020.
• Alternative fuel consumption has increased by 295% above the 2005 baseline, well above the 159.4% increase required by FY 2015.
• In FY 2013, HHS will create a matrix model of optimized new vehicle selections detailing low greenhouse gas emitting and highly efficient gasoline fleet units. The HHS Fleet Manager will work with the Fleet Management workgroup to empower Operating and Staff Divisions to select the best alternatives.
• HHS OPDIVs continue to replace conventional gas vehicles with alternative fuel and electric vehicles.
• Hybrid vehicles are placed into shared motor pools, where the majority of personnel usage occurs. Less efficient vehicles have been designated to programs that use fleet vehicles less often.
• CDC has implemented a Vehicle Reservation Request system, designed to manage, coordinate, and pair up employees from different programs who are traveling to the same locations to reduce travel mileage.
• HHS OPDIVs are preparing to participate in the GSA Electric Vehicle Pilot Expansion program. Projects are being developed and implemented that will install electric charging stations on campuses.
Goal 4 – Water Use Efficiency & Management
Reduction in potable water intensity compared with 2007: 0.3% and not on track for 26% reduction by 2020.
HHS continues to work toward the EO 13514 and Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) goals for water use efficiency and management.
• HHS has reduced water intensity by 0.3% in FY 2012, as compared to the baseline year of FY 2007. HHS did not meet the 10% reduction goal for FY 2012 but is working to meet the FY 2020 target.
• A primary area of concern for HHS has been the inability to monitor usage accurately and at detailed levels. To address this challenge, in FY 2013 OPDIVs will install additional potable water meters at the building or major use level to monitor use, identify additional savings, and meet Guiding Principles goals.
The Indian Health Service (IHS) will focus on xeriscaping landscaping, which incorporates indigenous plants and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate supplemental water needs for irrigation.
• HHS OPDIVs have established a best practice to convert all open-loop chilled water systems to closed-loop, because laboratory and medical equipment typically make HHS facilities highly water-intensive.
• OPDIV facility managers understand the water use reduction opportunities inherent in laboratory and medical equipment, and they are developing standards and procurement specifications for this equipment. Projects such as installing water misers on autoclaves/sterilizers, employing condensate and blowdown recovery systems, and incorporating reclamation strategies will be emphasized for FY 2013 and beyond and will be analyzed as new ESPC energy conservation measures (ECMs).
Goal 5 – Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction
HHS has robust programs in place and is actively addressing all 11 pollution prevention and waste reduction goals, including:
Divert at least 50% non-hazardous solid waste by 2015 (Goals 5b, 5c and 5h): As of FY 2012, HHS land-holding OPDIVs have diverted 22.2% of non-hazardous waste from landfills through robust recycling and composting programs (diversion to Waste to Energy is also robust in metro areas) and are making significant progress towards meeting the 50% reduction (diversion) goal by FY 2015.
Divert at least 50% Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials and debris by FY 2015 (Goal 5d)” HHS is on track to meet the goal of 50% diversion of construction and demolition (C&D) debris by FY2015.
Examples of OPDIV successes and best management practices include:
• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recycling rate for 2012 for all buildings was 18.3% - an improvement of over 5% from FY 2011.
• NIH achieved an OPDIV-wide recycling diversion rate of 43.2% for FY2012. These figures included food and animal bedding that was diverted for composting. This FY 2012 rate puts NIH on track to achieve the goal of 50% diversion by FY 2015.
• CDC is partnering with a distributor of lab supplies to reuse the ice packs that are shipped to CDC with temperature-controlled products.
• FDA reduced its solid waste disposed of via landfills by over 26% in 2012 as compared to 2011.
• In FY 2010 IHS initiated a new partnership with the Leech Lake Reservation’s Green Team to assist in developing a tribal-specific, practice-based environmental sustainability assessment tool. This tool establishes a baseline profile, prioritizes intervention strategies, and develops an action plan. In addition, funds were secured to support a community composting project estimated to divert 153,088 pounds of waste from the community’s solid waste stream annually. This project will save approximately $17,750 in disposal costs and reduce greenhouse gases by 28.3 metric tons carbon equivalent.
• NIH is diverting 43% of its nonhazardous solid waste and sending 49% of that material to Waste to Energy, with only 7% being sent to landfills.
• The Parklawn Building, which generated 351.8 tons of waste in FY 2012, diverted 33% of its nonhazardous solid waste to recycling. The remaining waste was diverted to Waste to Energy.
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) leased headquarters building in Baltimore, working in consort with GSA, has achieved 65% waste diversion through recycling and composting.
• Construction contract language has been amended to reflect the diversion requirement.
• FDA diverted 46.5% of C&D waste from landfill to recycling facilities in 2012.
• NIH achieved an agency-wide construction and demolition C&D recycling diversion rate of 57% for FY
2012. The successful comprehensive C&D recycling program at the Bethesda Campus allowed for this extremely high rate.
In FY 2012, CDC reached a 96.9% diversion rate for C&D waste, more than twice what the agency diverted in FY 2010. CDC is monitoring C&D contracts to ensure maximum diversion, which supports SSPP goals as well as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system attainment. Facilities management developed a procedure to donate salvaged building supplies to local nonprofits as part of CDC’s broader demolition contracting activities. Waste diversion in rural facilities continues to present a challenge, especially compared to the greater-than-40% rates HHS achieves in urban areas. In FY 2013, HHS will benchmark its individual areas against national averages and will identify potential private and public partners for the most rural areas.
Goal 6 – Sustainable Acquisition
HHS has met its initial goal of 95% of new contract actions including applicable sustainability requirements; HHS will continue outreach and verification efforts.
To support sustainable acquisition, HHS issues guidance to the acquisition workforce that emphasizes the inclusion of biobased products and all applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) sustainability clauses in construction and other relevant service contracts. HHS provides the acquisition workforce with sustainable acquisition training, focusing on biobased products, further supporting the inclusion of sustainability requirements in applicable contracts.
In FY 2013, HHS will leverage the Senior Procurement Executive forum to integrate sustainable procurement outreach and oversight into the established procurement community. Additionally, the Senior Procurement Executive will continue to represent HHS on the Federal Sustainable Acquisition and Materials Management (SAMM) Working Group and will continue engaging the GSA and other Federal partners on healthy/green procurement initiatives.
• In FY 2012, 95% of HHS new contract actions included applicable sustainability requirements (based on a minimum 5% quarterly review of applicable contract actions).
• HHS has implemented various policies, training, and contract review strategies to achieve its sustainable acquisition goals per EO 13514.
• The HHS Office of Grants and Acquisition Policy and Accountability (OGAPA) implemented a supplemental sustainable acquisition contract review process in January 2013, resulting in a greater number of contracts being verified and validated for the inclusion of sustainable acquisition requirements.
• In FY 2013, HHS will provide OPDIVs with separate quarterly sustainability compliance rates based on the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) reporting elements. The Department will emphasize the importance of accurately reporting sustainability information in FPDS, with a target of increasing sustainability compliance rates in FPDS by 10% in FY 2014.
Goal 7 – Electronic Stewardship and Data Centers
As of FY 2012, HHS is compliant with all electronics stewardship requirements per EO 13524; HHS will continue outreach and verification efforts.
o Energy Star product procurement is 99%.
o Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) procurement is 98%.
o FEMP designated energy-efficient product procurement is 99%.
o Power management features enabled on applicable products is 94%.
o Duplex printing enabled products is 99%.
o Sound practices used for electronic product disposition is 100% of products.
In addition, the HHS OPDIVs have designated 27 core data centers and 131 non-core data centers. 27% of the non-core data centers are scheduled to close by the end of CY 2015. The HHS Chief Information Officer (CIO) will review the data center consolidation plan by the end of FY 2014 and determine if additional data centers can be closed, as HHS strives to reach the OMB 40% closure goal.
In FY 2013, HHS will expand efforts to integrate Electronic Stewardship into existing OCIO domain governance activities by including additional stewardship goals as tracked activities within the HHS CIO Council. Additionally, the CIO will represent HHS on the Federal Electronics Stewardship Working Group.
Goal 8 – Renewable Energy
Use of renewable energy as a percentage of total electricity consumption: 8.5% and on track with goal of 5% for FY 2012.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 required that in FY 2012 5% of an agency’s total electricity consumed must come from renewable energy, with that number rising to 7.5% in FY 2013 and thereafter. In addition, at least half of the renewable energy must come from new sources, placed in service after 1999.
• HHS is on track to meet these requirements, with 8.5% of its electricity consumed coming from renewable electricity sources, including 2.5% from new sources (thermal, mechanical, or electric). This result exceeded the FY 2012 goal of 5%. For FY 2013, HHS will use at least 7.5% renewable energy as mandated.
Most of the renewable energy is obtained through the purchase of Green power or Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), but on-site applications are utilized wherever possible.
• IHS will complete two hybrid systems consisting of a 50-kW wind generator and 10-kw photovoltaic system at the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Hospitals in FY 2013.
• In FY 2014, FDA will install a 130-kW roof mounted PV Power Generation System at the Irvine laboratory.
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) requires that 30% of the hot water demand in new Federal buildings (and major renovations) be met using solar hot water equipment, provided that it is life-cycle cost-effective.
• In FY 2013, FDA will install a solar water heating system for the primary heating of the domestic water system at the Muirkirk Road Complex.
Goal 9 – Climate Change Resilience
HHS has conducted an initial high level vulnerability assessment and published an agency climate adaptation plan.
In June 2011, Secretary Sebelius issued an HHS Sustainability and Climate Change Adaptation Policy Statement, affirming HHS’ leadership role in promoting sustainability and responding to climate change. HHS committed to http://www.hhs.gov/about/sustainability/index.html�
“set the standard for federal agencies in sustainable development, provide climate-resilient health and human services, and support scientific research focused on environmental and public health, including research on the effects of climate change on human health and well-being.”
Several components of HHS have already been engaged in efforts to support education, research, and preparedness in the face of climate change:
• The National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) framework in 2012 to prepare for the health impacts climate change will have on US and world populations. In 2009, the CDC established its Climate and Health Program, aimed at making climate change science more readily understandable to states, local health departments, and communities; creating decision support tools to build capacity to prepare for climate change; and serving as a credible leader in planning for the public health impacts of climate change.
• The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) at the National Institutes for Health (NIH) has represented HHS as Principal to the US Global Change Research Program (GCRP) since the early 1990s.
NIEHS is currently funding 11 grants to support research into the health impacts of climate change. NIH and CDC also co-chair the US Global Change Research Program’s Interagency Climate Change and Human Health Working Group, which recently launched the Metadata Access Tool for Climate and Health, a web-based repository of meta-data that can direct users to a wide array of climate and health information, including EPA and CDC data.
• The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has begun to focus efforts on building community resilience and more sustainable health and emergency systems in the face of climate change impacts. In these efforts, ASPR is guided by the National Health Security Strategy (NHSS).
Because climate change will increase the severity and frequency of severe weather events, ASPR plans to identify the populations most vulnerable to these disasters to assure their health and well-being.
• HHS recognizes and promotes programs, projects, and initiatives that support sustainability and climate resilience through HHS Green Champions and HHS Innovates awards programs. The annual HHS Green Champions Awards honors Federal employees and Native American tribal members who demonstrate measureable results towards integrating sustainability principles into the HHS mission and its daily operations. Key selection factors for both individual and team awards include innovation, collaboration, return on investment, and short and long-term impact. The 2012 HHS Green Champions Award winners are highlighted in Appendix A.
In 2012, HHS published an HHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan which includes a high-level vulnerability assessment and outlines a strategy to ensure sustainability by integrating climate change and environmental impact considerations into internal management functions and policies; by collecting, analyzing, and utilizing state of the science data; and by enhancing issue awareness and specialty training for our employees. (Appendix B).
While HHS has made significant progress since 2010, the Department acknowledges a gap between the conceptualization of its Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plans and the actual implementation of those plans within health and human service programs. To help address this gap, in 2013, HHS is shifting to a more strategic, cross-cutting oversight approach. Integration strategies HHS will employ in 2013 include:
• In addition to the Operating Division Chief Sustainability Officers, the Sustainability and Climate Resilience Task Force will now include health program leadership, grants and strategic planning experts, and experts on health and infrastructure impacts of climate change.
• HHS has plans to partner with the health care industry to design guidance on cost-effective climate resilience measures for health care and biomedical research facilities.
http://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/BRACE.htm� http://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/� http://intranet.hhs.gov/abouthhs/programs_initiatives/gogreen/FY2012GreenChampionsAwards.html� http://www.hhs.gov/about/sustainability/adaptation-plan.pdf�
• HHS established an additional sustainability goal, Integration of Sustainability and Climate Change Resilience into the HHS Mission, to help capture integration of these concepts into internal and external policies and procedures.
• HHS will work to better educate our grantees on sustainability and climate resilience-related guidance and best practices.
• HHS will continue to build partnerships with complementary programs such as the National Prevention Strategy, Environmental Justice Strategy, Healthy People 2020, and others.
Progress on Administration Priorities
The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has identified the following Administration Priorities:
Administration Priority HHS Update Climate Change Adaptation Planning
While HHS has made significant progress since 2010, the Department acknowledges a gap between the conceptualization of its Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plans and the actual implementation of those plans within health and human service programs. To help address this gap, in 2013, HHS is shifting to a more strategic, cross-cutting oversight approach. Integration strategies HHS will employ in 2013 include:
• In addition to the Operating Division Chief Sustainability Officers, the Sustainability and Climate Resilience Task Force will now include health program leadership, grants and strategic planning experts, and experts on health and infrastructure impacts of climate change.
• HHS has plans to partner with the health care industry to design guidance on cost-effective climate resilience measures for health care and biomedical research facilities.
• HHS established a 10th sustainability goal, Integration of Sustainability and Climate
Change Resilience into the HHS Mission, to help capture integration of these concepts into internal and external policies and procedures.
• HHS will work to better educate our grantees on sustainability and climate resilience-related guidance and best practices.
• HHS will continue to build partnerships with complementary programs such as the
National Prevention Strategy, Environmental Justice Strategy, Healthy People 2020, and others.
• While HHS did not receive any public comments during the 60-day public comment period (Feb-April 2013), HHS did receive 20 internal comments and suggestions through an employee comment forum. HHS will consider updating its Climate Change Adaptation Plan to articulate its latest strategy and planned actions, including suggestions received from employees.
Fleet Management Planning
HHS is reviewing its Fleet Management Program to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of fleet assets across the Department. With most of the fleet sustainability goals on track, HHS will be focused on ways to reduce and/or better align assets to meet the needs of the agency while saving money, mitigating risk, and minimizing the program’s negative impact on the environment.
Energy Savings Performance Contracts
Per the December 2011 Presidential Memorandum Committing the Federal Government to reduce energy consumption using alternative financing contracts, HHS committed to an estimated $59.6M of alternative financing contracts. To date, $2M has been awarded, and HHS expects to award the remaining $57M by December 2013. Of these contracts, $13.6M comes through Utility Energy Service Contracts and $46M through a Department of Energy (DOE) Super Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) vehicle.
Biobased Purchasing Strategies
The HHS Biobased Purchasing Strategy focuses on fully incorporating requirements and clauses for biobased products in relevant and appropriate contracts, as well as monitoring activities to ensure compliance with these requirements. In FY 2012, HHS used data from biobased reporting elements in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) as the primary metric to create agency-level reports on biobased compliance.
The FPDS reports showed a compliance of 73% and 94% biobased compliance for 4th quarter FY 2012 and 1st quarter FY 2013, respectively. However, a 5% contract review sample was analyzed separately to determine whether the appropriate sustainability requirements and clauses were included in applicable contract actions. This analysis revealed that the Department’s compliance rate is significantly lower than the FPDS report rate.
HHS has identified impediments to accurate reporting of sustainability data and is focused on improving the accuracy of acquisition data as part of the larger Independent Verification and Validation (IV and V) effort. HHS has begun to incorporate data accuracy as part of various sustainability training sessions for contracting personnel. This effort will continue in FY 2013. The HHS Green Purchasing Lead continues to meet frequently with OPDIV Green Procurement Mangers, providing feedback on sustainability data accuracy and underscoring the importance of accurate reporting. HHS will provide OPDIV Heads of the Contracting Activity (HCAs) with quarterly sustainability compliance rates based on FPDS reporting elements, while continuing to emphasize the need to accurately report sustainability information in FPDS.
Table 1: Agency Size & Scope
Agency Size & Scope FY 2011 FY 2012
Total Number of Full-Time Equivalents (Source: President's Budget) 73,704 74,193
Total Acres of Land Managed (Source: Automated Real Property Inventory System - ARIS) 6,265 6,271
Total Number of Buildings Owned (Source: ARIS) 2,769 2744
Total Number of Buildings Leased (GSA and Non-GSA Lease) (Source: ARIS) 967 975
Total Buildings Gross Square Feet (GSF) (Source: ARIS) 51,870,184 53,305,853
Operates in Number of Locations Throughout U.S. (Source: ARIS) 1,042 1,034
Operates in Number of Locations Outside of U.S. (Source: ARIS) 13 34
Total Number of Fleet Vehicles Owned (Source: HHS GHG Inventory) 772 841
Total Number of Fleet Vehicles Leased (Source: HHS GHG Inventory) 4,055 4,028
Total Number of Exempted-Fleet Vehicles (Tactical, Law Enforcement, Emergency, Etc.) (Source:
HHS GHG Inventory)
2,347 1,180
Agency Size & Scope FY 2011 FY 2012
Total Amount Contracts Awarded as Reported in FPDS ($Millions) 19,300 19,197
GOAL 1 – GHG Reductions
Agency Progress toward Scope 1 & 2 GHG Goals
HHS is on track to meet the Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions reduction of 10.3% for FY 2020 as shown in Figure 1-1, Scope 1 & 2 GHG. As of FY 2012, HHS has reduced Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 14.7% when compared to FY 2008. The largest reductions have been achieved in the reduction of purchased electricity and steam, as well as through decreases in mobile Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST) emissions.
HHS OPDIVs continuously pursue energy reductions through everyday activities and planning. For the past two decades, the HHS Energy Program has led and fostered actions and training to instill energy efficiency into the job performance of facility and energy management personnel. Through direct agency funding and alternative financing, HHS has implemented successful projects. Highlights for FY 2012 are described below.
In FY 2012, CDC installed lighting reduction projects, including induction lighting fixtures in a new parking deck that resulted in savings over traditional metal halide fixtures. CDC Information Technology Services Office (ITSO) has contributed to energy use reduction through the implementation of the Verdiem Power Management System, which allows for automatic shutoffs of computers each night. The OPDIV also held its first “CDC Freezer Challenge” during FY 2012, which encouraged more sustainable storage practices in laboratories and resulted in 60 ultra-low temperature freezers being temperature-tuned and 44 freezers being emptied and unplugged, with items being consolidated and properly inventoried. The Freezer Challenge resulted in savings of approximately $127,000 per year in operations and avoided costs and reduced energy demands by at least 320,000 kWh annually.
In addition to implementing Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs) at two sites, FDA has active Green Teams at all FDA-owned sites. The Green Teams increase awareness through outreach events, Green Bag lunches, the Internet and Intranet, training and workshops, communications from the CSO and energy manager, posters, internal TV messages, and FDA’s annual Earth Day celebrations at FDA owned and leased sites. In addition, FDA has increasing training, as engineers and facility operations personnel are attending webinars and classes on energy/water conservation and renewable energy, including FEMP 1st Thursday, Green Gov, Lab 21, and other training as resources allow.
In FY 2012, IHS conducted 35 energy, water and sustainability audits (ASHRAE Level II audits) on IHS Installations (27 “Covered Facilities” and 8 non-“Covered Facilities”), and IHS is now in compliance with EISA 2007 audit requirements. Energy Star Portfolio Manager accounts were created for nearly 2,300 IHS-owned facilities in order to complete the Guiding Principles checklist for EISA 2007 compliance. IHS also conducted comprehensive GHG inventories on the 116 IHS Installations that report energy consumption.
NIH received preliminary assessments in FY 2012 by one UESC vendor and the DOE ESPC contractor for several sites. The list of proposed measures has been internally vetted, and Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) have been selected. The vendors will work on investment grade audits to develop firm proposals in FY 2013. NIH also implemented the NIH Freezer Initiative, which retired 98 energy-inefficient ultra-low temperature freezers and replaced them with 70 new energy-efficient freezers. Finally, in FY 2012, 8 electric vehicle charging stations were installed for employee use on the NIH Bethesda Campus. Charging enabled 3,800 kWh of electric vehicle driving, which is equivalent of 14,000 miles of travel.
The PSC-operated Parklawn Building began a major renovation in FY 2012. The design has been upgraded from LEED Gold to Platinum, and PSC facility management is working with PEPCO to obtain rebates to install additional features, which will result in additional LEED credits.
Figure 1 -1 Scope 1 & 2 GHG
Table 1-1: Goal 1 Strategies - Scope 1 & 2 GHG Reductions
HHS Strategy to Achieve Goal
Strategy Narrative Specific targets/metrics to measure strategy success including milestones to be achieved in next 12 months
Implement in EISA 432 covered facilities all lifecycle cost effective energy conservation measures (ECMs) identified.
HHS OPDIVs will work to implement ECMs in FY 2013. CDC inputs ECMs with a payback of 10 years or less into the Asset Business Plan for implementation and then prioritizes for installation based on specific CDC criteria and overall plan. FDA and NIH are using alternative financing to implement ECMs. IHS will formulate a plan in FY 2013 to implement ECMs from audits completed in FY 2012.
FDA Muirkirk Road Complex (MRC) Utility Energy Services Contract (UESC) will complete construction by Dec 2013 with savings realized and measured in 2014. The Irvine UESC will complete ECM installation by July 2014, saving will be realized thereafter. NIH ESPCs will be awarded by Dec 2013.
Reduce on-site fossil-fuel consumption by installing more efficient boilers, generators, furnaces, etc. and/or use renewable fuels.
HHS OPDIVs are currently purchasing RECs or Green power at or above the 7.5% requirement for FY 2013. Renewable energy projects are planned for FY 2013. Several boiler plant upgrades are planned for the next year.
CDC is replacing boilers at Roybal and NIOSH campuses by Dec 2013. FDA is installing a solar water heating system at MRC (Dec 2013) and a 130-kW photovoltaic system at Irvine Laboratory (July 2014). FDA is replacing boiler #2 at Jefferson Labs (JL). NIH will use ESPCs to install boiler economizers and VFDs, renewables projects, steam trap upgrades and
Achieve Goal
Strategy Narrative Specific targets/metrics to measure strategy success including milestones to be achieved in next 12 months condensate recovery systems. PSC is replacing 900 hp boilers with 4 modular boilers and eliminating the dual-fuel option.
Reduce grid-supplied electricity consumption by improving/upgrading motors, boilers, HVAC, chillers, compressors, lighting, etc.
HHS OPDIV Design and Construction contract guidelines include requirements for ongoing sustainable building practices, Energy Conservation, and Energy Star equipment selection. In addition, many HVAC upgrades are planned for FY 2013.
CDC will complete an evaluation by Dec 2013 on vending & drink machine usage to reduce its overall number of vending machines. Potential savings are estimated at 3373 MMBtu, or $60,311. CDC and FDA are performing chiller replacements by Dec 2013. NIH will conduct plug load studies on various NIH laboratory equipment to establish an energy benchmark for purchasing energy-efficient equipment by Dec 2013.
Employ operations and management best practices for energy consuming and emission generating equipment.
HHS OPDIVs will focus on training and the use of improved building controls and retro-commissioning to improve energy efficiency of operations and maintenance.
CDC has mandated 76 degree summer and 68 degree winter temperature settings for all CDC administrative areas, with the minimum use of mechanical reheat system to accomplish this goal. FDA MRC and JL are installing new controls and will be retro-commissioned (Jan 2014). FDA Irvine is installing a power monitoring system in 2014. PSC Parklawn engineers will be trained on new equipment and NIH engineering will be trained on new ECMs from ESPCs.
Install building utility meters and benchmark performance to track energy and continuously optimize performance.
HHS OPDIVs will continue to install new meters for natural gas, steam, and potable water to track usage and monitor areas of improvement.
Monitoring systems will continue to be fine-tuned for accuracy.
OPDIVs will analyze buildings to be equipped with individual meters and determine method of installation by Jun 2014.
Table 1-1a: Additional Scope 1 & 2 GHG Reduction Strategies Identified by CEQ that are Not a Top 5 HHS Strategy
CEQ Suggestion HHS Response
Use the FEMP GHG emission report to identify/target high emission categories and implement specific actions to resolve high emission areas identified.
HHS OPDIVs find the GHG emission report to be too high level to specifically highlight areas of reduction.
Ensure that all major renovations and new building designs are 30% more efficient than applicable code.
HHS OPDIVs will not be undertaking much new construction, and since this reduction is a mandate, it is not viewed to be a significant strategy.
Agency Progress toward Scope 3 GHG Goals
HHS is on track to meet the Scope 3 GHG emissions reduction of 3.3% for FY 2020 as shown in Figure 1-2, Scope 3 GHG. As of FY 2012, HHS has reduced Scope 3 GHG emissions by 9.5% when compared to the FY 2008 baseline.
Municipal solid waste disposal and employee business ground travel have seen the largest percent reductions in these emissions.
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