Energy Standards for State Agencies

In May 2006 the governor of Alabama issued Executive Order 33 mandating that state departments and agencies encourage and promote the conservation of energy in state-owned buildings. In November 2011, the governor of Alabama issued Executive Order 25 extending the energy standards for state agencies end goal from Fiscal Year 2010 to Fiscal Year 2015. The initiative aimed to reduce energy consumption by 30% in all conditioned, state-owned facilities by the end of Fiscal Year 15 (as compared to 2005 levels).

State departments and agencies were encouraged to employ the latest energy-conservation practices in the design, construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of state facilities. All state agencies were required to implement the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Portfolio Manager database tool to measure and report energy efficiency. All agencies had one primary and one secondary staff member trained on the Portfolio Manager data maintenance and reporting. Data was updated regularly to compile annual reports required from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Energy Division to the Governor’s office. The Energy Division of ADECA provided training in the use of Portfolio Manager software and technical assistance in implementing cost effective energy efficiency practices to state departments and agencies.

Participating state agencies exceeded the required 30% reduction with a 52% reduction in energy consumption and savings of over $16.5 million compared to their 2005 baseline usage. The state also has a Performance Contracting Program that provides information for facility managers on how to procure and finance large energy improvement projects for the state’s public facilities.

When replacing or purchasing new equipment, agencies must purchase Energy Star equipment when cost effective. State departments and agencies must also designate an energy officer with the authority to study, investigate and recommend potential energy saving procedures within the agency. At the end of each fiscal year, the energy officer for each state agency must submit a progress report on meeting the directives to the ADECA Energy Division, which will submit a consolidated report to the Department of Finance and the governor’s office.

In December 2008, the Building Commission adopted the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as the standard for new public buildings. In September 2010, the Building Commission adopted the 2009 International Building Code. More information on Building Codes for Alabama can be found on the Building Commission's web site.