Energy Efficiency in Congressional Buildings (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
July 3, 2001 |
| Report Number |
RS20935 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Fred Sissine, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
This report describes energy efficiency requirements applicable to congressional buildings and
the
energy saving activities being undertaken in the Capitol complex. The Architect of the Capitol
(AOC) has the authority and responsibility to provide energy services and implement energy
efficiency measures in congressional buildings. Congress has used legislative appropriations bills
to establish energy efficiency measures under AOC. In the early 1990s, Congress funded an energy
efficient lighting initiative for congressional buildings. In 1998, Congress set a goal for 2005 to
improve energy efficiency by 20%. A brief comparison with the 30% energy efficiency goal of the
executive branch suggests that the current goal for AOC is lower in absolute percentage, but calls
for a higher rate of improvement. Also, AOC does not currently have access to the funding and staff
resources that the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program provides for
executive branch agencies.
