Raimondo Challenges State Agencies to Reduce Energy Consumption, Lower Costs

PROVIDENCE, RI – December 09, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — As part of her efforts to reduce the effects of climate change and transition to a cleaner, low-carbon energy economy, Governor Gina M. Raimondo today signed an Executive Order to task state agencies with reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions throughout their facilities.

“Developing a strategy that supports a transition to clean energy is a key ingredient to reducing our state’s high energy costs,” Raimondo said. “As we continue to grow our clean energy economy, it is important that state agencies lead by example and work together to secure a clean and affordable energy future. This Executive Order empowers our State agencies to implement innovative solutions to reduce our state’s carbon footprint, address climate change, and make government more efficient.”

The Executive Order directs State agencies to:

• Procure 100 percent of state government electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2025;

• Create a 10 percent reduction in energy consumption by 2019

• Ensure that 25 percent of new cars entering the state fleet will be zero-emissions vehicles by 2025;

• Achieve high performance green building standards, such as LEED certification, International Green Construction Code, or an equivalent;

• Encouraging employees to commute by foot, bike, or public transit, to name a few

“This Executive Order demonstrates Governor Raimondo’s commitment to curb spending and make government more efficient,” Director of Administration Michael DiBiase said. “Achieving these goals will reduce our carbon footprint, address climate change and save money for taxpayers.”

The Lead by Example Executive Order builds on the Rhode Island State Energy Plan, which sets bold and ambitious goals and strategies for transforming Rhode Island’s energy system.

“Governor Raimondo has challenged us to lead by example to reduce state building and fleet costs, educate state employees and the public about clean energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” Commissioner of Energy Marion Gold said. “The state is one of the largest energy consumers in Rhode Island and directives of this Executive Order will save money for taxpayers while protecting the Ocean State environment. There is much exciting work to be done and the Office of Energy Resources looks forward to working with other State agencies to achieve significant savings, create economic growth opportunities, address climate change and advance environmental goals.”

“We must work together across government to prepare for and protect our communities from the impacts of climate change,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “This Order catalyzes needed actions by state government to conserve energy, reduce the environmental impact of our operations and build a stronger future. As Chair of the state’s Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council, it is exciting to see government leading the way.”

The Office of Energy Resources, Department of Administration, and Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to develop strategies to achieve these goals. These directives support the State’s growing clean energy economy, which has nearly 10,000 jobs, and is projected to add about 1,600 more jobs in the next year.

Please see below for a link to the Executive Order.