OMB Scorecard illustrates DOT sustainability gains, Source: DOT
June 3, 2013 in Environment, EV News
Click link for large scorecard image (courtesy of US DOT): http://www.dot.gov/sites/dot.dev/files/docs/January_2013_DOT_Scorecard.pdf
Infographic courtesy of US DOT
One month ago, in a blog post on DOT’s Sustainability Awards, I wrote that since 2010, DOT has moved from the bottom tier of Federal agencies on President Obama’s sustainability scorecard to the upper tier. And last Friday we released our annual sustainability scorecard which shows exactly where DOT has improved its energy and sustainability performance to move us up the list.
I’m proud to point out that DOT has improved its performance in every sustainability category.
- We have met our goal for greenhouse gas emissions-in fact, we have already met our Fiscal Year 2020 goals, eight years early.
- We have met our goal for reducing energy intensity and use of renewable energy, nearly doubling our renewable energy usage from 8 percent to 14 percent.
- And we have met our goal for reducing fleet petroleum use by nearly tripling our alternative fuel use since 2005 and cutting petroleum consumption by 14 percent.
And we have cost-effective plans in place to step up efforts to meet those goals still outstanding: green buildings and reducing potable water intensity.
DOT has supported sustainability outside the Department as well. We’ve helped Americans use less gas by giving them transportation options like bus rapid transit, light rail, streetcars and bike shares. We’ve worked with the Administration to roll out historic standards that will increase fuel economy standards to 54.5 mpg by 2025. We’ve helped airlines reduce fuel use and carbon emissions through our NextGen initiative. And we’ve invested $12 billion in high-speed and higher performing passenger rail—giving Americans relief from congested highways and airways.
Each of these important programs will ensure the nation’s transportation system continues to be fast, safe, efficient and sustainable.
Making our Federal Government more sustainable and energy-efficient can also make a big difference. We have a responsibility to lead by example, and this is the third year Federal agencies like DOT have made public their OMB sustainability scorecards so the American people can see how we’re fulfilling that responsibility.
One of the best benefits of the scorecard is that we can now update the DOT Sustainability Plan based on recent performance. This allows us to target the best opportunities for further progress. That means we can extend our FY 2012 success in future years.
The reason for our effectiveness in the last few years is simple: DOT has developed a culture where the innovation and collaboration of DOT professionals at all levels helps us reach our goals. From our Senior Sustainability Officer Brodi Fontenot, to our DOT Green Team, to other DOTers around the country, we have seen ideas, projects, and heavy lifting coming from all corners of the Department.
Congratulations to everyone at DOT who had a hand in our sustainability performance; this is a terrific demonstration of your commitment to good public service.
This article is a repost, credit: US Department of Transportation, Secretary Ray LaHood, http://fastlane.dot.gov/2013/06/omb-scorecard-illustrates-dot-sustainability-gains.html#more.