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.