US environmental protection agency's strategy for cutting greenhouse gases: A program of environmentally preferred purchasing

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the opportunity to become the leader among federal agencies in providing cleaner, less expensive government services. EPA's adoption of energy efficiency strategies and improved environmental technologies also demonstrates how industry can voluntarily improve environmental performance in a cost-effective manner. The public, other federal agencies, and Members of Congress should look to EPA as an example. This paper presents EPA's response to President Clinton's request to cut greenhouse gases through Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs). Specifically, the President required the following: - 30 percent reduced energy consumption below 1985 levels by 2005; - Plans for ESPCs and Energy Star labels for facilities; - Proposals for expanding the Government use of these tools; and - A strategy for using ESPCs for renewable energy production systems.