Local Government Lead by Example

Local governments can advance energy-efficient technologies and practices in the marketplace by promoting energy efficiency in their own everyday operations, a practice commonly known as “Leading by Example” (LBE). Taking actions to improve the energy efficiency of government-owned and -leased facilities and fleets can accrue multiple benefits for both the government and the people it serves. Energy can account for as much as 10% of a typical local government’s annual operating budget (EPA 2009a). As local governments attempt to act with heightened levels of austerity, implementing cost-effective energy efficiency processes and technologies is a proven solution to reduce unneeded spending.

LBE program benefits include:

Demonstrating leadership
Reducing energy consumption and costs
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants
Fostering markets for energy-efficient products and encourage economic development in local and regional communities
Offering greater energy price certainty
Promoting sustainable alternatives to conventional practices
Providing health and productivity benefits
Increasing asset value in energy-efficient buildings
Reducing maintenance costs in energy-efficient buildings

Key Participants

When developing a LBE program, it is imperative to engage stakeholders in a variety of positions. These participants can play roles of varying importance, but their awareness and participation is critical to create buy-in for the program and sustain it for the long term.