Under Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPA Act), the United State Department of Agriculture is required to significantly reduce its energy use over the next 10 years.

 In an effort to meet EPA 2005  energy usage reduction goals, USDA, under a USEC contract with Washington Gas, conducted a detailed energy audit to evaluate energy conservation opportunities at the South and Whitten buildings. The most viable energy conservation measures (ECM’s) that were implemented in FY2009 which will provide and annual savings of approximately $500,000 include:

• ECM-2  Eliminate steam usage during summer month by using electric kettles in the South Building cafeteria. Projected annual savings is $200,000
• ECM-12 Domestic Water Conservation (replace valves in restrooms of the South and Whitten Buildings). Project annual savings is $100,000
• ECM-14 Building Weatherization – (Weather stripping exterior doors). Project annual savings is $21,000
• ECM-15 Lighting Renovations – (modifying lighting with energy efficient fixtures). Project annual savings is $170,000