Back to Delaware News

Delaware State Government Sets Clean Energy Targets, 30% Overall Cut

February 22, 2010

Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed an executive order on February 17 setting energy efficiency goals for the state government to achieve overall reduction of 30% energy consumption. The action, which establishes clean energy targets in five key areas, directs all state executive agencies to attain an overall 10% reduction in energy consumption from fiscal year (FY) 2008 totals by the end of FY-2011, increasing to a 30% cut by FY 2015. Markell termed the goals aggressive but achievable.

The governor's targets include:

Integrating the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) practices into construction, renovation, and facility operation, with state agencies aiming for LEED Silver standards

Ensuring at least 20% of the annual electricity needed for buildings owned or operated by the state executive branch will derive from renewable energy resources by the end of FY-2012 and increasing to 30% by the end of FY-2013

Having all agencies reduce petroleum consumption and vehicle emissions 25% by the end of FY-2012

Encouraging agencies to achieve a 75% rate of recycling by FY-2012

Implementing a cost-effective sourcing policy to reduce impact on the environment and use less toxic substances.

Under Markell's initiative, the state will track energy usage and benchmark facility performance in order to prioritize the most cost-effective improvement projects. See the governor's press release, and the the governor's executive order.