DOE's Forrestal Headquarters Earns Energy Star
The U.S. Department of Energy's headquarters received Energy Star recognition from EPA on July 9, making it just the second federally owned and operated building in the nation's capital with that designation. U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman accepted the plaque for the James Forrestal Headquarters Building, which uses 40 percent less energy than the average office building and prevents the release of 28 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, according to DOE.
"The U.S. Department of Energy is committed to reducing our energy consumption and using more energy efficient technologies -- everything from energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs to driving alternative fuel vehicles," Bodman said. "It is only fitting that the nation's leading researcher on renewable energy and energy efficiency technology is also a leader in putting these vital technologies to use."
To earn Energy Star status, commercial buildings must demonstrate low utility usage and have good indoor air quality and good indoor temperature. The energy performance 100-point scale, with facilities that achieve a score of 75 being eligible. This score indicates they are among the top 25 percent of facilities nationwide for energy performance.
The Forrestal building's score was 88, DOE said. Energy-saving improvements to the building include energy-efficient motors in the air handling equipment; high-efficiency chilled-water and hot-water pumps; local area network rooms consolidated into central computer areas to reduce air-conditioning requirements; optimized automated HVAC control systems for better temperature control; and energy-efficient lighting in all office spaces, the cafeteria, the main lobby, elevators, janitorial closets, emergency exit signs, and outdoor lighting.