Content created by Program Support Center (PSC)
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined a wide range of strategies in its Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (SSPP) focused on improving the energy efficiency of HHS-owned facilities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Indian Health Services (IHS). These strategies enhance the agency’s ability to focus our resources on the HHS mission to enhance the health and well-being of the American people. The 2017 HHS SSPP reiterates our commitment to sustainability by increasing the efficiency of our existing facility operations and supply chain, constructing new facilities that meet the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings, and achieving the targets established in Executive Order (E.O.) 13693, Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade.
HHS continues to make progress in conserving water, solid waste diversion and recycling, power management of electronic devices, data center consolidation and power usage effectiveness, inclusion of applicable sustainability requirements in new contract actions, reduction of fuel use in HHS fleet vehicles, and, in particular, the reduction of energy use intensity in our facilities. Through the award of $32,000,000 in energy performance contracts in FY 2016, the Department improved the existing infrastructure without the use of additional appropriated taxpayer funds. As a result of previous HHS energy performance contracts and implementation of the energy conservation strategies outlined in the 2016 HHS SSPP, HHS reduced energy intensity (Btu per gross square foot) by 6.5% from the FY 2015 baseline year. In FY 2017, HHS anticipates awarding $22,400,000 of energy performance contracts. In the 2017 HHS SSPP, HHS has committed to implementing additional energy performance contracts at HHS campuses totaling $2,300,000 in FY 2018 and $9,300,000 in FY 2019.
As the Chief Sustainability Officer for HHS, I am committed to leading the way on the implementation of the sustainable practices outlined in E.O. 13693. The 2017 HHS SSPP describes the plan of action HHS intends to take to promote sustainability across our Department and catalogs our accomplishments in the past fiscal year. Through our Department’s accomplishments and future commitments, we set the standard for responsible stewardship and sustainable operations and support a healthier future for the American people.
John A. Bardis
Assistant Secretary for Administration
HHS Chief Sustainability Officer