2002 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

2002 ACEEE Informal Sessions Descriptions

Government facilities and services are often the largest energy users and major purchasers of energy-using equipment within a country. In developing as well as industrial countries, government "leadership by example" can be a powerful force to shift the market toward energy efficiency, complementing other elements of a national energy efficiency strategy. Despite these benefits, with the exception of a few countries government sector actions have often lagged behind other energy efficiency policies. This is especially true in developing countries and transition economies - even though energy used by public agencies in these countries may represent at least as large a share of total energy use as the public sector in industrial economies.

USDOE's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) works to advance energy efficiency and water conservation, promote the use of distributed and renewable energy, and improve utility management decisions in the Federal government. As a result, the US government's building-related energy costs have dropped more than 20% per square foot since 1985.

Over the past few years, there has been growing international interest in public sector energy efficiency programs, as indicated by an increasing number of inquiries about FEMP from overseas, and a growing stream of international visitors who are interested in learning about the US Program. A USAID funded project on "Promoting Energy Efficiency in the Public Sector" (PEPS) is identifying a growing number of government sector energy efficiency initiatives in developing countries around the globe. Other activities are underway in Europe, Australia, and other industrial countries.

This session will bring together Summer Study participants with experience or interest in public sector energy efficiency activities internationally, including barriers to and opportunities for initiating programs or expanding existing efforts.

For more information, contact:

Jeff Harris
LBNL
e-mail: JPHarris@lbl.gov

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