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Here is the Green the Capitol scorecard for Spring 2008
Done
- Purchased carbon offsets to mitigate 30,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases
- Initiated a design to relight the Capitol Dome with energy-efficient lighting
- Reduced cooling fan run times by 14%
- Activated economizers on air-conditioners, cutting energy use by up to 20%
- Replaced 84 energy-inefficient vending machines with Energy Star equivalents
- Identified pressure reduction opportunities for the House steam distribution system, saving 2-3% of heating energy use
- Eliminated all styrofoam and plastic items in all House foodservice operations
- Replaced all foodservice disposables with 100% compostable items
- Installed food pulpers in the House foodservice operations to remove water, making waste 70% lighter and 100% compostable
- Established agreement to compost foodservice waste with the Dept. of Agriculture, ultimately reducing the waste stream of more than 50%
- Ensured House food offerings are organic and locally grown within a 150-mile radius whenever possible
- Required only Fair Trade coffee to be sold in all House restaurants
- Directed that only 100% post-consumer recycled paper be sold in the House Office Supply Store, saving 29,400 grown trees
- Mandated that all new carpets must be low VOC (volatile organic com pounds) and installed using low VOC glues
- Encouraged purchase of Energy Star compliant or equivalent equipment by member offices with updated “2007 House Standard for New Acquisitions
- Held the House's first Green Expo, attended by more than 1,500 employees, designed to raise awareness about green transportation options, including 19 alternate fuel vehicles
- Partnered with Zipcar to provide car-sharing services with four onsite hybrid cars
- Developed a Green Team program for House employees
- Established a pilot for the Smart Benefit program with DC public transit
Underway
- Purchasing renewable wind power for 100% of electricity use
- Switching from using coal to natural gas in the Capitol Power Plant for House operations
- Installing comprehensive metering system to track and report building energy use
- Installing 30,000 energy-efficient Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs
- Evaluating more than 700 pieces of foodservice equipment and developing strategies to deploy new energy-efficient technologies in all House food operations
- Switching to green cleaning products and techniques for carpets, offices, and public spaces, creating a healthier work environment
- Increasing electronic distribution of reports and improving archiving requirements to decrease the amount of paper generated
- Promoting computer power conservation efforts, including a consolidated server environment for Windows-based applications that will use 65% less power
