US government buildings aim for 30% greater energy efficiency

New developments built by the US federal government must achieve 30 per cent greater energy efficiency than that required by previous guidelines, it was announced yesterday (December 27th).

In a statement the US department of energy explained that the standards will apply to new federal commercial and high rise residential buildings, as well as all low rise residential developments that began construction after January 3rd, 2007.

According to the department, the changes will save $776 million (£338 million) over the next ten years, as well as reducing carbon emissions by an estimated two million metric tones.

"Dramatically elevating building efficiency standards to these unprecedented levels substantially transforms the way the federal government manages and uses energy," department of energy assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy Andy Karsner said.

"These standards contribute to sound and stable efficiency policy that will yield real, substantive energy savings and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions," he added.

Earlier this month, the US federal government passed an energy bill increasing the country's commitment to encourage alternative fuel production and promote fuel economy.