Local Government Lead by Example

Local governments can advance energy-efficient technologies and practices in the marketplace by promoting energy efficiency in their own everyday operations, a practice commonly known as “Leading by Example” (LBE). Taking actions to improve the energy efficiency of government-owned and -leased facilities and fleets can accrue multiple benefits for both the government and the people it serves. Energy can account for as much as 10% of a typical local government’s annual operating budget (EPA 2009a). As local governments attempt to act with heightened levels of austerity, implementing cost-effective energy efficiency processes and technologies is a proven solution to reduce unneeded spending. 

LBE program benefits include:

• Demonstrating leadership
• Reducing energy consumption and costs
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants
• Fostering markets for energy-efficient products and encourage economic development in local and regional communities
• Offering greater energy price certainty
• Promoting sustainable alternatives to conventional practices
• Providing health and productivity benefits
• Increasing asset value in energy-efficient buildings
• Reducing maintenance costs in energy-efficient buildings

Key Participants

When developing a LBE program, it is imperative to engage stakeholders in a variety of positions. These participants can play roles of varying importance, but their awareness and participation is critical to create buy-in for the program and sustain it for the long term.

• Mayor or County Executive
• City or County Council
• Energy and Environment Staff
• Local Planners
• Facility Management Teams
• Other Local Governments and Regional Entities
• State Energy Offices
• Utilities and Other Energy Efficiency Program Administrators
• Energy Service Companies
• Nonprofit Organizations

ACEEE Local Toolkit Resources

The following toolkits offer resources on measures governments should consider when deciding how to lead by example:

• Improving energy efficiency in government buildings
• Energy efficiency in water and wastewater facilities