Carbon Footprint: House World's First Carbon Neutral Legislative Body

Purchasing renewable wind power for 100% of electricity use

Purchased carbon offsets to mitigate 30,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases

Switching from using coal to natural gas in the Capitol Power Plant for House operations

House Energy Conservation: 50% Reduction over 10 Years

Installing comprehensive metering system to track and report building energy use

Initiated a design to relight the Capitol Dome with energy efficient lighting

Installing 30,000 energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs, 7,000 complete

Reduced cooling fan run-times by 14%

Activated economizers on air conditioners, cutting energy use by up to 20%

Replaced 84 vending machines with energy efficient Energy Star equivalents

Evaluating over 700 pieces of food service equipment and developing strategies to deploy new energy efficient technologies in all House food operations

Identified pressure reduction opportunities for the House steam distribution system, saving 2-3% of heating energy use

Waste Reduction

Eliminated all Styrofoam and plastic food service items in all House food service operations

Replaced all plates, cups, utensils, takeout containers, etc. with 100% compostable items

Installed food pulpers in House food service operations to remove water, making waste 70% lighter and 100% compostable

Established agreement with Department of Agriculture to compost food service waste, ultimately reducing waste stream by over 50%

Procurement

Ensured House food offerings are organic and locally grown within a 150 mile radius whenever possible

Required only Fair Trade coffee be sold in all House restaurants

Directed House Office Supply Store to sell only 100% post-consumer recycled paper, saving 29,400 grown trees  

Mandated that all new carpets must be low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and installed using low VOC glues

Switching to green cleaning products and techniques for carpets, offices, and public spaces, creating a healthier work environment

Updated '2007 House Standard for New Acquisitions' to encourage Member offices to purchase Energy Star compliant or equivalent equipment 

Developing a 'Green Team' program for House employees 

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 

Held the House's first Green Expo, attended by over 1,500 employees, designed to raise awareness about green transportation options, including 19 alternative fuel vehicles  

Partnered with Zipcar to provide car-sharing services with four onsite hybrid cars  

Establishing a pilot for the Smart Benefit program with DC public transit  

=Done=Underway
      Visit the Greening the Capitol Website>>