An update on FEMP and Executive Order 13514

On February 26, 2010, Richard G. Kidd of the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) led an EE Noon brownbag seminar on FEMP's Executive Order (EO) 13514. Approximately 30 professionals gathered at the Alliance's offices for this seminar while another 70 individuals conferenced in, making this one of the most popular EE Noon sessions to date.

Kidd discussed FEMP’s nature as a service-oriented consulting organization that makes recommendations for efficiency and improvements within the federal government, while not implementing these changes within the agencies. Similarly, FEMP does not endorse products or methods, though it does support solutions and approaches.

As Kidd explained, FEMP operates not unlike a child circling items in a catalogue for his Christmas list: the child can highlight as many items as he wishes, but ultimately it is up to his parents to decide which ones to buy, based on their budget. Likewise, FEMP can highlight various activities it would like government agencies to undertake; however, it is up to the agencies to choose while activities to implement, depending on the availability of resources and the best possible return on investment

In regards to EO 13514, Kidd says this order will change the culture within the federal government in that it will require agencies to consider energy efficiency in every decision they make. “This is an effort to increase consciousness of sustainability,” says Kidd.