Climate Action Report: Appendix A

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Appendix A: Climate Plan Actions
Rebuild America(Climate Plan Action 1)

This action is part of DOE's Commercial Buildings Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $2.8 billion
Energy savings of 0.42 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 8.8 MMT

By accelerating cost-effective, energy-efficient investments in public housing, and in commercial and multifamily buildings, Rebuild America partnerships are expected to cut energy bills significantly, create local jobs, improve environmental quality, and provide more comfortable indoor environments that enhance the quality of life and worker productivity. For example, in the year 2000, Rebuild America partnerships plan to retrofit 2 billion square feet of commercial and housing floor space. This would put $3 billion into local economies and create $650 million in annual energy savings for building owners and occupants in the near future.
Partnerships are based on local needs and priorities, which provides community leaders a high level of flexibility in designing their Rebuild America programs. Any assembly of companies and organizations that commit to a community focus may form Rebuild America partnerships. Partners receive a customized set of products and services designed to meet their community's special needs as well as national recognition for innovative approaches to community-wide programs. A Rebuild America program representative works with the partners' team to ensure that timely and effective assistance is provided.
Achievements

As of March, 1997, Rebuild America is working with over 120 communities representing 38 states and territories.
Rebuild Boston is incorporating water and energy efficiency into community enterprise zones.
Kansas City Energy Efficiency Partnership is improving energy efficiency in schools and nonprofits over the bi-state, five-county metropolitan area.
Re-energize East Bay is dramatically increasing the penetration of energy-efficiency technologies into the often overlooked small commercial market in the San Francisco Bay area.
Rebuild Colorado is increasing the energy efficiency of the state's commercial and government buildings through performance contracting.

During the December 1996 Rebuild America Fall Forum, partners were enthusiastic about their achievements and about the success of the program in general. For example, through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Rebuild Tennessee is targeting communities with 17,000 people or fewer--particularly small businesses--to achieve an estimated 30 percent energy cost savings per building retrofitted.
Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Green Lights^® & ENERGY STAR^® Buildings (Climate Plan Actions 1 & 2)

The Climate Change Action Plan expanded the Green Lights program. In the year 2010, the full Green Lights and ENERGY STAR Buildings programs are expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $11.3 billion
Energy savings of 1.5 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 23.9 MMT

EPA's Green Lights^® and ENERGY STAR^® Buildings programs are designed to improve the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings. These buildings account for over 15 percent of all U.S. energy consumption, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution. This pollution can be reduced through energy-efficiency investments that also reduce energy bills.
Green Lights
Through the voluntary Green Lights program, EPA overcomes informational and other barriers preventing energy-efficiency investments. Green Lights partners are reducing their lighting energy consumption through cost-effective, energy-efficient lighting technologies. On average, investments in these technologies cut electricity consumption in half and provide a 35 percent rate of return due to the significant energy bill savings. EPA provides technical information and support and environmental recognition to participants who adopt these voluntary and profitable energy-efficiency measures. Because lighting accounts for 35 percent of total electricity consumption in buildings, Green Lights has a substantial overall impact on U.S. energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
ENERGY STAR Buildings
Expanding on the successful Green Lights program, EPA works with individual building owners, developers, and others through its voluntary ENERGY STAR Buildings program to encourage more comprehensive building upgrades. This program leads a building owner through a five-stage strategy to capitalize on system interactions that maximize energy savings at minimum cost. Green Lights is the first step of this strategy. EPA has successfully completed the ENERGY STAR Showcase Buildings program, in which charter partners demonstrated an average building-wide energy savings of 30 percent.
Achievements
The Green Lights and ENERGY STAR Buildings programs currently have over 2,300 participants, including small and large businesses, universities, and state and local governments.

Partners have already invested $1 billion on energy-efficiency improvements, with commitments for much larger investments in the near future.
Partners are saving over $300 million a year on their energy bills.
Partners are preventing 700,000 metric tons of carbon-equivalent pollution annually, equivalent to eliminating the emissions from over 500,000 cars.

Contacts: EPA's ENERGY STAR Hotline, 1-888-782-7937 (Domestic) or 202-775-6650 (International)

Cost-Shared Demonstrations of Emerging Technologies (Climate Plan Action 4)

This action is part of DOE's Lighting and Appliance Research and Development Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $3.1 billion
Energy savings of 0.44 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 9.3 MMT

DOE has longstanding experience working in collaboration with appliance and equipment manufacturers and distributors to promote the development of innovative, energy-conserving building equipment. Performance testing and new-product evaluation in commercial buildings are two of several areas enhanced through cost-shared demonstrations. DOE's cost-shared demonstration programs seek to achieve benefits primarily through reduced energy consumption for building appliances and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and cooling) systems.
By organizing projects that bring together manufacturers and prospective purchasers to test and evaluate prototype equipment, DOE expects to reduce the market risk perceived by the developer of new technology and provide users the opportunity to influence final design decisions. The result is greater investment in new, energy-efficient products, more rapid introduction of those products to the marketplace, and fewer failures of commercial introductions.
To achieve continuity and better coordination in its demonstrations, DOE has formed partnerships with groups of industrial and commercial firms having the potential to put emerging technologies to use. These Technology Partnerships include a consortium of hotel/motel chains and the National Association of Energy Service Companies.
Achievements

Through a consortium of the hotel/motel industry, representing over 30 percent of U.S. hotel space, DOE and Red Lion Inn hotels demonstrated a new energy-saving system for large central laundries that allows reuse of hot laundry wash water.
DOE and the U.S. Postal Service have embarked on a major demonstration of sulfur lamps, to introduce this technology to other similar facilities. Aircraft hanger lighting demonstrations are planned for Hill Air Force Base.
Successful demonstrations of the "horizontal-axis" clothes-washing machines have prompted DOE and Maytag to demonstrate the water and energy savings of this beneficial technology to a small town that has severe water problems. Under a cooperative research and development agreement with Maytag and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Maytag will replace washers in 90 homes throughout Bern, Kansas. To promote the environmental benefits of this technology in areas with severe water problems, DOE received co-funding from the Bureau of Reclamation that will be used to compare the energy and water consumption of the existing and new washers.
DOE and the National Association of Energy Service Companies are improving the effectiveness of performance contracting as a means of introducing energy-efficient technology to the commercial sector.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Operation, Maintenance and Training for Commercial Building Facility Managers and Operators (Climate Plan Action 5)

This initiative is part of DOE's Best Practices Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $1.2 billion
Energy savings of 0.19 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 3.9 MMT

DOE will use training programs and the educational infrastructure of the trades in its work to develop an operation and maintenance training curriculum highlighting energy. Once in place, training will be available to new and experienced operators to assist in maintaining knowledge about energy-efficiency improvements for a highly transitory career field. DOE also draws upon the experience of the Federal Energy Management Program, that of state energy offices, low-income weatherization providers, utilities, and other successful programs currently underway, such as Rebuild America.
Achievements

Surveyed existing programs and the successes and measures that have been used to evaluate training program effectiveness.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

ENERGY STAR^® Products (Climate Plan Action 6)

The Action Plan expanded the ENERGY STAR Products program. In the year 2010, the full program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $10.2 billion
Energy savings of 1.2 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 23.7 MMT

DOE and the EPA are working to bring high-efficiency consumer products into American households and buildings. Products include those used for space heating and cooling, water heating, lighting, refrigeration, laundering, cooking, and other services.
Working with equipment manufacturers, DOE and EPA are using the ENERGY STAR^&REG; label to promote highly efficient products. Consumer education is an important part of the labeling activities. A national consumer education campaign is being developed to educate consumers about the important link between energy use and the environment. With the ENERGY STAR label, consumers will be able to easily identify products that save energy and money and help the environment. DOE has launched "ENERGY STAR Retailer" to further promote efficient products through point-of-purchase information, product labeling, sales force training, and corporate advertising.
Collaboratives formed with DOE are facilitating the development of initial markets for advanced technologies, for example, by encouraging large purchases. Large-volume purchases help reduce manufacturing costs through economies of scale in initial production.
Achievements

Consumers and businesses prevented over one million metric tons of carbon-equivalent pollution in 1996, and saved over $400 million on energy bills due to ENERGY STAR equipment.
Over 500 manufacturers are currently participating, offering over 13,000 product models that qualify for the ENERGY STAR label.
Four major utilities have joined the program to promote ENERGY STAR appliances with retail chains in utility service territories.
Over 920 retail stores now label ENERGY STAR refrigerators, dishwashers, and room air conditioners.
Public housing authorities, including the New York Public Housing Authority, are about to purchase over 70,000 high-efficiency refrigerators for their apartment complexes.
More than 70 builders and developers have committed to build over 10,000 ENERGY STAR Homes across the United States.

Contacts: DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International); EPA's ENERGY STAR Hotline, 1-888-782-7937 (Domestic) or 202-775-6650 (International).

Residential Appliance Standards (Climate Plan Action 7)

This action is part of DOE's Lighting and Appliance Standards Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $7.4 billion
Energy savings of 0.96 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 21.6 MMT

Residential consumers spend $110 billion each year on home appliances and equipment, such as refrigerators, water heaters, and air conditioners. As this equipment is replaced, large savings opportunities are available from the purchase of high-efficiency equipment. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 directs DOE to develop mandatory energy-efficiency standards for residential appliances. DOE must review these standards in accordance with a statutorily set schedule to determine whether the standards are stringent enough. Energy and carbon emission reductions from this action will be a direct result of more stringent appliance efficiency standards.
The Residential Appliance Standards program creates higher energy-efficiency levels for eleven product categories of residential appliances. The program enlists the participation of manufacturers, trade associations, environmental groups, utilities, government agencies, residential appliance retailers, and others in public rulemaking processes to set these new standards.
Achievements

Three-Product Rulemaking--In September 1993, DOE published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Federal Register regarding energy-conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps; furnaces; and refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. The three-product rule has since been amended into three separate rules. The standard, which applies to refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers, was published in July 1995.
Clean Three Rulemaking--DOE has conducted analyses on clothes washers, clothes dryers, and dishwashers and held a workshop in July 1995 to discuss the results with stakeholders.
Eight-Product Rulemaking--The eight-product rule was divided into several separate rules. One rulemaking applies to room air conditioners, gas and oil water heaters, direct heating equipment, kitchen ranges and ovens, mobile home furnaces, and pool heaters. A proposed television rule has been withdrawn.
A congressional moratorium imposed on new standards during 1996 has ended. DOE expects to issue final rules for improved efficiency standards for refrigerators and room air conditioners in 1997. An Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for clothes washers is also due out in 1997.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Energy Partnerships for Affordable Housing (Climate Plan Actions 8 & 11)

This initiative is part of DOE's Residential Buildings DOE's Residential Buildings Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.4 billion
Energy savings of 0.06 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 1.2 MMT

Energy Partnerships for Affordable Housing is designed to improve the energy efficiency and affordability of public and privately owned single-family and multifamily housing for low- to moderate-income families throughout the nation. Its main goal is to create local and community partnerships that will collectively commit to installing energy-efficiency improvements in at least one million low-income housing units by the year 2000.
Begun as a joint initiative between DOE and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program establishes voluntary collaborations with state and local governments, utilities, and the housing development and financing industries that can provide resource-efficient and affordable housing in new and revitalized buildings. Major program components include: (1) formal partnerships with local public housing authorities to improve large portions of the housing they own and operate; (2) work with community-based housing providers, builders, architects, and associations to showcase and promote efficient whole-building design scenarios throughout their communities; and (3) close collaboration with retailer program efforts to foster appliance efficiencies. The partnership also works with those who establish guidelines for Home Energy Rating Systems.
Program goals are expected to be reached by making technical assistance available to community-based housing providers for the application of whole-building design and rehabilitation specifications that can achieve 20 to 30 percent efficiency gains over current practice. DOE and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials have united under DOE's Energy Partnerships for Affordable Housing program.
Achievements

DOE initiated partnerships with public housing authorities and community housing organizations in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, and Los Angeles, with one goal being a 30 percent reduction in utility bills.
DOE, EPA, and Habitat for Humanity are working together to improve the energy and resource efficiency of the over 3,000 homes Habitat has built in the United States.
DOE is funding seven states (AK, AR, CA, CO, MI, VT, and VA) to overcome the barriers to the use of energy-efficient mortgages.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Cool Communities (Climate Plan Action 9)

This initiative is part of DOE's Building Systems Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $1.0 billion
Energy savings of 0.15 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 2.9 MMT

Cool Communities aims to reverse problems associated with urban heat islands by developing community partnerships to create a market for highly reflective exterior surfaces on buildings and roads, in combination with urban tree planting as a cost-effective energy-efficiency measure.
Private-sector involvement in Cool Communities is an integral part of the program. The nonprofit conservation organization American Forests is DOE's and the U.S. Forest Service's primary partner in this program. Utility companies, through their participation in the Climate Challenge program, also are partners. Roofing, pavement, coatings, and landscaping industries, as well as other federal agencies participate in product development and marketing.
Overall Achievements

As of March 1997 there are 10 designated Cool Communities.
In its next revision, the National Energy Performance Standards for Buildings (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) will give energy-conservation credits for cool roofs and shade trees. Similar credits will be offered in the California Title 24 building standard.
South Coast Air Quality Management District in California accepted Cool Communities strategies as the most cost-effective single measure in the reduction of smog. Consideration is being given to include "cool" technology in a NO_X and smog offset trading market.
The American Society for Testing and Materials is standardizing procedures for rating roofs and pavements for reflectivity. A new "Solar Reflectance Label" will help consumers evaluate the energy efficiency of cool products.

Selected Community Achievements

Austin, Texas--Initiated "Trees for Energy," in which utility companies, landscaping industry professionals, and local government officials collaborated on incentive rebates for planting community trees.
Atlanta, Georgia--Broadcasts heat-island reports on the evening weather and used the 1996 Summer Olympics to publicize demonstrations of Cool Communities technologies.
Frederick, Maryland--Estimates energy savings of $1 million annually from existing trees and roofs, with a potential tripling of savings by using more "cool" technologies.
Dade County, Florida--Is raising funds from the state's sale of panther and manatee license plates to reestablish trees destroyed by Hurricane Andrew.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona--Was awarded the Federal Energy Efficiency Landscape Award for Cool Communities accomplishments.
National Air Station, Oceana--Is planning tree-planting, pavement, and roofing projects.

Contacts: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International); Rita Schoeneman, USDA, Forest Service, Cooperative Forestry, 202-205-1612.

Updating State Building Codes (Climate Plan Action 10)

This action is part of DOE's Building Standards and Guidelines Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $4.0 billion
Energy savings of 0.55 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 12.7 MMT

Updating and implementing building energy codes is often the most cost-effective means of overcoming market barriers to energy efficiency. These codes eliminate inefficient construction practices and technologies at little to no increase in first cost and significant energy cost savings.
DOE provides technical and financial support to states in updating and implementing the energy-efficiency provisions of their codes. Competitive, cost-shared, incentive grants are provided to assist states in leveraging their own programs and those of their utility and building industry partners to update their codes and train code officials, designers, and builders in how to use them. DOE develops materials and tools to make energy codes easier to use and administer, and disseminates them to the states. DOE also develops core training materials and fosters industry partnerships with states to carry out training.
DOE's goal is to reduce total emissions and energy use in new buildings by 35 percent by the year 2000, from 1990 levels.
Achievements

Twenty-seven states have adopted and implemented residential energy codes that meet or exceed the 1992 Model Energy Code. These state codes govern 54 percent of U.S. residential construction.
Twenty-five states have adopted and implemented commercial building energy codes that meet or exceed the building industry consensus energy code, ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1989. These state codes govern 61 percent of U.S.commercial construction.
Over 1,000 architects, engineers, builders, and code officials have been trained in how to comply with updated state codes.
DOE has developed a set of materials and tools that make it easy to design and build to the Model Energy Code. Called MECcheck, this set has been disseminated to over 10,000 people in 20 states.

A parallel set of materials, COMcheck-EZ, has been developed for low-rise commercial buildings (three stories or fewer), which comprise the majority of U.S.commercial building.
DOE has formed partnerships with a number of product manufacturers to assist states in training designers and builders.
Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Construction of Energy-Efficient Buildings (New Climate Plan Action)

In the year 2010, this initiative is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.5 billion
Energy savings of 0.1 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 1.1 MMT

The Rebuild America and ENERGY STAR Buildings programs are effectively improving the energy efficiency of existing commercial and industrial buildings. Additional, long-term energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions can be achieved by improving the energy efficiency of new commercial and industrial buildings. By 2010, one-fifth of all energy consumption in commercial and industrial buildings is projected to be from buildings that are built after 2000. Through this joint initiative, DOE and EPA will expand their voluntary programs in the buildings sector by promoting energy efficiency in the construction of new buildings.
Despite the wide availability of reliable, energy-efficient technologies and building designs, most builders and architects are not taking advantage of these energy cost-saving opportunities. Several barriers in the current buildings market perpetuate the construction of inefficient buildings. Most notably, builders and designers usually do not own and operate their buildings and are, therefore, not responsible for paying the energy bills. Increasing the construction costs to achieve long-term energy savings, even when there is a quick payback of only a couple of years, is not feasible unless purchasers and financiers of buildings have clear and reliable information regarding the cost savings they can expect.
DOE and EPA will work with builders, architects, owners and operators, and the financial community to encourage and recognize the construction of energy-efficient buildings. Working with these industries, DOE and EPA will develop a system to differentiate buildings that offer energy cost savings from typical, inefficient buildings. Rebuild America has already begun working with the American Institute of Architects and many other partners to reach these goals. ENERGY STAR Buildings has developed an energy-efficiency building program that currently focuses on retrofits to existing buildings. Under this action, the agencies will jointly develop a program that most effectively improves energy use in new buildings.
Contacts: DOE's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International). EPA's ENERGY STAR Hotline, 1-888-782-7937 (Domestic) or 202-775-6650 (International).

Superwindow Collaborative (New Climate Plan Action)

This initiative is part of DOE's Windows and Glazings Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.8 billion
Energy savings of 0.11 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 2.3 MMT

DOE's Superwindow Collaborative is expected to double the energy efficiency of the average window sold in 2005. In achieving its goals, the collaborative is expected to improve the thermal properties of the windows sold in terms of both their heating and cooling energy properties: reducing the average U value of windows sold from 0.65 to 0.25 in heating climates, and switching from clear to spectrally selective cool glazings in the southern part of the country.
Every year residential windows in the United States are responsible for about 2.0 quads of energy use and 40 MMTCE. If all residential buildings used currently available--but not extensively deployed--high-performance window technologies, annual window energy use could be reduced by 1.2 quads, and annual carbon emissions by about 18 MMT. Certain fundamental constraints limit the achievement of this technical potential: (1) the window-selection and -specification process, by which end users (e.g., home owners, builders, renovators, and architects) are capable and motivated to choose the energy-efficient window technologies; and (2) the availability of high-performance glazing and window technologies and the ability of the industry to produce such technologies at affordable prices and in adequate volumes.
As an offshoot of one of DOE's buildings research programs, the Superwindow Collaborative supports highly leveraged industry-user-government teams in transforming the market and industry toward production and use of energy-efficient windows.
Another industry team will be coordinated through the Primary Glass Manufacturers Association. Growth in market penetration of Low-E and other high-energy-performance windows has slowed and is now about one-third of the market. DOE-industry teams will work to re-accelerate this growth to more than double the penetration of high-energy-performance window systems. These teams will strive to upgrade their specific technologies--e.g., vinyl windows and glass-coating processes and technologies.
Superwindow Collaboratives will produce and provide tools and information products for window manufacturers, along with detailed training by producer and user teams.
Some of the private- and public-sector partners DOE will be collaborating with are the National Fenestration Rating Council, utilities, window component manufacturers, glass manufacturers, window system manufacturers, states, retailers, and the architect-engineer community.
Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Expand Markets for Next-Generation Lighting Products (New Climate Plan Action)

In the year 2010, this initiative is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.4 billion
Energy savings of 0.1 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 0.7 MMT

This action is expected to expand markets for energy-efficient lighting products through coordinated federal programs primarily targeting residential lighting. The action is based on a comprehensive strategy to convert incandescent lighting to energy-efficient alternatives by delivering a portfolio of products to meet a range of needs over an extended time horizon. The objectives are to promote:

use and improvement of compact fluorescent products (CFLs),
conversion of high-energy-using fixtures to dedicated CFL fixtures, and
filling-in a key product gap with a low-cost, drop-in replacement for standard incandescent light bulbs.

A first step already taken under this action at the federal level is a procurement effort jointly led by Office of the Secretary of Defense and DoD's Defense Supply Center-Richmond, implemented with the joint support of the DOE and EPA. DoD is seeking to purchase low-cost, drop-in replacement products for standard-sized light bulbs that provide at least a 30 percent energy savings, compared to traditional incandescent lamps. DoD is serving as the "anchor buyer" in an effort that ultimately will involve state and local agencies and private-sector procurement offices. Once new products have been introduced to the market through this mass procurement, additional efforts will be implemented to further enhance their market penetration.
Contacts: Tracy Narel, EPA, Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division, 202-233-9145; Bill Noel, DOE, 202-586-6149.

Fuel Cells Initiative (New Climate Plan Action)

This initiative is part of DOE's Space Conditioning Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is anticipated to generate:

Energy cost savings of $1.1 billion
Energy savings of 0.13 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 3.5 MMT

The Fuel Cells initiative offers a unique technology that can revolutionize the way building power, heating, cooling, and hot water are generated and maintained. No other cogeneration system can generate electricity, provide heat, and hot water with the low emission, low noise, and high efficiency of the fuel cell.
Fuel cells have a large potential to reduce carbon emissions in power generation and buildings. Among other energy sources, fuel cells can be powered by hydrogen. They produce both electrical and thermal energy through an electrochemical reaction, and they have exceptionally high efficiencies with water as the only by-product. The principal obstacle to widespread use of this technology is its high cost, although a very large potential exists for reducing those costs.
DOE's initial goal is to develop low-cost, 50-kilowatt fuel cell technologies that use reformed methane to produce hydrogen fuel to power commercial buildings. DOE will research methane steam reforming for the Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell; low-cost, high-performance membranes; CO-tolerant catalysts; and light-weight, high-conductivity electrodes (bi-polar plates).
DOE will also develop lower-cost materials and fuel reformers to produce the hydrogen fuel. Toward this end, DOE will work closely with researchers, fuel cell manufacturers, and the gas industry to develop and deploy low-cost PEM fuel cells to demonstrate their high efficiency, low noise, and low carbon production.
Within the next four years, DOE plans to complete: a methane reformer breadboard system, system-level tests, field testing, and a prototype for installation in buildings. Since fuel cells in buildings would differ considerably from those used in automobiles, the 50-kilowatt fuel cell will be developed in conjunction with DOE's advanced automotive technology program.
Achievements
Four contracts are in place that focus on: membrane research, natural gas reforming, catalyst development for CO tolerance, and bi-polar plate development.
Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Motor Challenge (Climate Plan Actions 12 & 13)

In the year 2010, Motor Challenge is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.34 billion
Energy savings of 0.07 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 5.8 MMT

Since electric motor-driven system applications account for more than 70 percent of U.S. industrial energy consumption, Motor Challenge is geared at harnessing the tremendous potential energy cost savings that will accrue once system inefficiencies are identified and reduced. Motor Challenge is a voluntary partnership program between DOE and industry to promote the adoption of a systems approach to developing, purchasing, and managing motors, drives, and motor-driven equipment, thereby increasing energy efficiency, enhancing productivity, and improving environmental quality.
Motor Challenge is comprised of four integrated program elements: Industry Partnerships (trade associations and industry groups); Allied Partnerships (non-end-user companies, along with suppliers, distributors, utilities, etc.); Excellence Partnerships (end-user industrial companies); and Showcase Demonstrations (technically focused projects at industrial plants). These partnerships aim to develop and deliver new tools, information, best practices, and industry case studies to assist manufacturers in making more informed management decisions about motor-driven systems.
In addition to program elements, Motor Challenge offers numerous products and services. These include MotorMaster Plus, an electric-motor decision and management software tool; a periodic newsletter, Turning Point; showcase demonstration project case studies; pumping system optimization workshops; and the Information Clearinghouse, which maintains the Motor Challenge Web Page (http://www.motor.doe.gov) and responds to partner inquiries.
The Showcase Demonstrations bring together motor system users, equipment manufacturers, utility companies, and state energy offices to host the design, engineering, installation, and operation of projects using technology and engineering to optimize electric motor systems.
Achievements

The Motor Challenge program was officially launched in October 1993, with 44 organizations designated as Charter Partners.
As of June 1997, 2,000 organizations had enlisted with over 125 Allied Partners (suppliers, distributors, utilities, and state agencies) who are disseminating Motor Challenge products, tools, and software to thousands of industrial end users.
The Information Clearinghouse has responded to over 800 calls a month requesting information and technical assistance. More than 250 downlink sites with an audience of over 8,000 viewed the "Efficient Motor Systems: Strategies for Success" teleconference on May 23, 1995.
DOE has completed 10 showcase demonstrations, and has 15 ongoing projects representing an industry investment of $10 million. The estimated annual energy savings represents 100 million kilowatt-hours a year, or the equivalent amount of electricity supplied to over 5,000 homes a year.

Contact: Motor Challenge Information Clearinghouse, 1-800-862-2086 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Industrial Assessment Centers (Climate Plan Action 15)

In the year 2010, Industrial Assessment Centers (IACs) are expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.4 billion
Energy savings of 0.08 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 1.9 MMT

Over 80 percent of industrial energy is consumed by manufacturing. Smaller manufacturing firms rarely have in-house expertise or staff to address energy-efficiency and waste-minimization improvements.
Since 1976, DOE has sponsored energy audits for small- and medium-sized manufacturers. Conducted by the IACs at 30 universities across the country, these audits provide recommendations to help manufacturers control costs and improve energy efficiency.
In addition to evaluating industrial energy use, IACs make recommendations for minimizing wastes and for improving productivity, and conduct energy-productivity and waste-reduction analyses. Under the IAC program, teams of engineering faculty and students perform the industrial assessments. Each school completes approximately 25 assessments a year for plants within a 150-mile radius of its campus. Partnering plants must be in compliance with standard industrial codes 20-39, must have gross sales below $75 million at the plant site, must employ fewer than 500 people, must have a utility bill of $75,000-$1,750,000, and must lack the technical skill to perform the assessment on their own.
Achievements

Since 1976 the program has conducted over 7,000 energy assessments.
Approximately 2,100 students who have participated in the program through their university have received energy-efficiency and waste-management training. This experience gives them access to better opportunities upon graduation.
Via the Internet, utilities, manufacturing firms, and the general public may access IAC results and recommendations from a data base that holds the results of all assessments since 1981.
A training manual and "Self Assessments" workbooks were produced for both small and large plants. These materials are available on the Internet at http://www.oit.doe.gov/access.iac.html

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

NICE³(Climate Plan Action 16)

In the year 2010, NICE³ is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.4 billion
Energy savings of 0.09 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 2.1 MMT

National Industry Competitiveness Through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE³) promotes innovation, energy efficiency, clean production, and economic competitiveness in industry through one-time matching grants of up to $425,000. The program funds state and industry partnership proposals that will develop and demonstrate advances in energy-efficiency and clean-production technologies.
Successful projects demonstrate industrial applications of energy-efficient technologies that reduce costs to industry and prevent pollution in the manufacturing sector, with emphasis on the aluminum, chemicals, forest products, glass, metal casting, petroleum refining, and steel sectors. They identify and implement efficiency improvements in material inputs, processes, and waste streams to enhance U.S. industrial competitiveness. The total federal value of current projects is at least $20 million, with an average private cost share of $3.68 of private investment per federal dollar.
Achievements

With fiscal year 1996 funds, 17 projects were funded in 15 states, with $6.2 million in federal funds and $12.0 million co-funded by each state-industry partnership to produce the next wave of cost-effective, pollution-prevention technologies that will spawn further innovation as project successes come to fruition.
As a result of NICE³, Caterpillar demonstrated to over 90 attendees at an open house that paint sludge from water-washed overspray could be recovered and recycled. While continuing to use the technology in-house, Caterpillar is also negotiating with potential vendors to market the technology to industry, thus potentially exceeding the energy and environmental benefits originally projected.
Beta Corporation of Oregon, a small business, has sold approximately 20 units of its Hydrochloric Acid Recovery System, a closed-loop, on-site recovery system for galvanizers and small- to medium-sized steel manufacturers.
Pegasus Technologies Neural Networks has sold several installations of its Real-Time Neural Networks for Combustion Optimization system. The computerized monitoring system optimizes combustion settings for minimal NO_X and reduced SO₂ and CO₂ emissions, while simultaneously maintaining or improving plant thermal efficiency. These installations have saved over one trillion Btus of energy.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

WasteWi$e (Climate Plan Action 16)
EPA's WasteWi$e program encourages businesses to set voluntary waste-prevention and -recycling goals that they can achieve cost-effectively. The businesses agree to report on progress toward achieving those goals. The Pay-As-You-Throw program (PAYT), on the other hand, encourages communities and municipalities to consider charging for waste disposal according to weight or volume. PAYT is a proven financial incentive for citizens to reduce and recycle their waste.
EPA source-reduction and recycling efforts are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by (1) reducing methane emissions from the decay of waste in landfills, (2) increasing carbon sequestered by forests, and (3) reducing emissions resulting from extracting and processing virgin materials and manufacturing products. Beyond emission reductions, additional benefits include preservation of natural resources from reduced extraction and processing of virgin materials; reduced waste disposal; reduction in air, water, noise, and other pollution associated with waste disposal and manufacturing; reduced costs of municipal solid waste management; and jobs and income created by new recycling enterprises.
Achievements

After only three full years of operations, WasteWi$e boasts over 535 business partners who are reducing and recycling increasing quantities of waste. While 1996 results are not yet available, in 1995 WasteWi$e partners conserved nearly 344,000 tons of materials through waste prevention--a 40 percent increase over 1994 reported figures. In addition, partners quadrupled the reported amount of materials collected for recycling to over four million tons. Partners also helped create stronger markets for collected recyclables by purchasing more than two million tons of recycled-content products in 1995. WasteWi$e is opening membership to tribal, state, and local governments for the first time in 1997.
Program highlights in 1996 included completion and distribution of a PAYT Tool Kit (containing, among other things, a guide and workbook for determining how to establish rates for household trash disposal) and completion of a digital spreadsheet for use by solid waste planners in developing rates to charge for waste disposal. Also in 1996, significant progress was made in completing a comprehensive training video on Pay-As-You-Throw for use by solid waste planners. As of the end of 1996, EPA estimates over 3,000 Pay-As-You-Throw programs are in place nationwide.

Contact: Clare Lindsay, EPA, Office of Solid Waste, 703-308-7266.

Improve Efficiency of Fertilizer Nitrogen Use (Climate Plan Action 17)
Improving the efficiency of fertilizer use will result in lower emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O) from microbial activity occurring in the soil and lower CO₂ emissions from electricity and natural gas consumption during the manufacture of fertilizer. The program is expected to expand activity to develop models that focus on trace gas exchange related to the bacterial nitrification and denitrification processes. These models will be used to improve the efficiency of nitrogen use, while maintaining an efficient and productive agricultural system. Demonstration projects and an information campaign will ensure widespread application of improved management practices.
Achievements

Extensive collection of data from farmers' fields has been completed for testing the USDA Agricultural Research Service's NLEAP model for determining the efficiency of nitrogen use. Comparisons show efficiencies in small grain > potatoes > lettuce. Rotations of small grains with potatoes and lettuce, and proper management of irrigation, increase efficiencies in these systems. Wheat and rye, when used as winter cover crops, mitigate nitrogen losses by scavenging nitrogen lost from the shallower root systems of lettuce and potatoes. The scavenger winter-cover crops protect water and soil quality by reducing wind erosion and increasing the cycling and efficient use of nitrogen. NLEAP is a technology-transfer management tool capable of evaluating the effects of sequential crops on water quality and on the cycling and efficient use of nitrogen.
The NLEAP model was extended to predict N₂O emissions from agricultural soils under a range of management and weather conditions. Field testing of the model in Colorado has shown that simulated N₂O losses are consistent with measured values. A prototype version of the model has been delivered to USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for field testing nationally. Joint Agricultural Research Service research is continuing to evaluate and apply the model nationwide.
Of the 18 demonstration projects NRCS established in 1995, four continue to receive funding for substituting organic sources of nitrogen (e.g., legume cover crops or manure) for commercial nitrogen fertilizer and alternative methods of manure application to maximize nutrient utilization by plants.
NRCS is evaluating nitrogen management systems for corn, cotton, potatoes, and rice that minimize gaseous emissions of N₂O with the model NLEAP. Ten states are currently participating. NRCS will create a data base of this information for its conservationists in the field and for others who provide nutrient management planning assistance to farmers.

Contacts: Ron Follett, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, 970-490-8200; Charles Lander, USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 202-690-0249.

Transportation Partners (Climate Plan Action 20)
This initiative is intended to reduce the growth in vehicular travel through voluntary adoption of local and regional transportation strategies that provide better, cheaper, and more numerous transportation choices for citizens. These strategies are (1) community design or redevelopment measures that encourage walking, biking, and transit; (2) market-based measures that, for example, reduce parking subsidies or transmute them into transit benefits, or that increase the cost of peak-hour travel relative to nonpeak travel; and (3) applications of telecommunications and other technologies that can eliminate the need to travel (telecommuting or teleservices), or that increase the market viability of transit.
Transportation Partners promotes the voluntary efforts of citizens and elected officials to develop innovative transportation projects and plans that address transportation needs, economic growth, environmental quality, and equity. The highly decentralized program encourages and recognizes local commitments to better transportation systems and provides a wide range of technical, strategic, and outreach assistance to ensure effective implementation.
The travel reductions that will be achieved by local partners brought into the program in its initial year are currently being estimated but are at least in the tens of millions of miles per year. A current program priority is implementing an ongoing evaluation strategy that will more precisely assess emission reductions achieved by this program. The benefits of Transportation Partners are expected initially to accrue slowly after the program's 1995 implementation and grow exponentially over the next several years.
Achievements

Transportation Partners recruited 291 Project Partners working to improve local environments and transportation systems.
The Principal Partner Local Government Commission held two major regional conferences on transportation for livable communities, which attracted over 1,000 participants.
EPA's first annual "Way to Go!" awards were presented to eight outstanding local transportation innovators from the public and private sectors.
The Transportation Action Network ("TransAct"), a comprehensive electronic information and assistance service, was launched by the Principal Partner Surface Transportation Policy Project. TransAct provides activists and transportation professionals with Internet access to a wide range of resources and peer contacts. See www.transact.org.
The program co-sponsored the 1996 Rail~volution Conference in Washington, D.C., which was attended by over 600 civic representatives, transportation professionals, and developers. This annual conference has become the principal annual meeting for promoters of progressive transportation solutions at the local and national levels.

Contact: Paula Van Lare, EPA, Energy & Transportation Sectors Division, 202-260-3729.

National Telecommuting Promotion (Climate Plan Action 21)
Both the National Performance Review (NPR) and the Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) identify telecommuting as a possible means to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was designated the lead agency under the NPR and CCAP to promote and evaluate telecommuting in the federal government and in state and local agencies and the private sector.
Achievements

Created a specialized training program and training materials on telecommuting for DOT supervisors and managers.
Inaugurated the National Telecommuting Initiative, designed to implement new telework programs in up to 30 metropolitan areas.
Initiated development of promotional campaign and field visits to states and federal regional offices to provide support in launching new telecommuting programs.
Initiated research on successful telecommuting programs in the public and private sectors, and work on publicizing information on telecommuting, as mandated by Congress in the DOT appropriations legislation for fiscal year 1996. A report on successful programs will be generated.
Initiated development of the Telecommuting Planning Manual for state and local agencies, which was completed in June 1997.

Contact: DOT, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, 202-366-4813.

Seasonal Gas Use for the Control of NO_X (Climate Plan Action 24)
EPA promotes seasonal switching toward the use of low-carbon natural gas--particularly in the summer--in utility coal and oil plants and in industrial facilities. This innovative, low-cost strategy is expected to reduce carbon emissions and NO_X emissions (which contribute to smog formation). The action is tied to rules and guidance issued in response to NO_X Reasonable Available Control Technology (RACT) requirements, the Economic Incentive Program, and State Implementation Plans related to National Ambient Air Quality Standards attainment under Title I of the Clean Air Act. EPA is working to encourage the use of natural gas through incentive-based, innovative programs that allow for less costly control strategies and provide stronger incentives for the development and implementation of innovative emission-reduction technologies.
Achievements

EPA has continued the policy established in a guidance document that promotes the summer use of natural gas in utility coal and oil plants and in industrial facilities as a NO_X-reduction strategy.
Twelve states in the Northeast and the District of Columbia (the Ozone Transport Region--) adopted a memorandum of understanding committing to a significant reduction in NO_X emissions from large sources (especially electric utilities) beyond RACT requirements. Utilities may comply with NOx requirements by switching to natural gas during the summer.

Contact: Tracy Terry, EPA, Air and Energy Policy Division, 202-260-2875.

Renewable Energy Commercialization--Biomass (Climate Plan Action 26)

This initiative is part of DOE's Biomass Power Research and Development Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.9 billion
Energy savings of 0.43 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 8.9 MMT

New renewable-energy capacity of nearly 175 megawatts by the year 2001 is expected as biomass gasification demonstrations succeed and rural development proposals ensue. With twice as many partners as projected, DOE's Biomass Program is realizing the potential that near-term demonstration of integrated biomass power systems can have on technology deployment.
In addition, DOE's rural collaborative efforts are addressing the need for growing and harvesting dedicated energy feedstock for electricity generation. By using renewable, domestically produced biomass feedstocks, these systems can provide positive economic and environmental benefits over traditional fossil-fuel-based energy options. And as baseload and intermediate-load power-production options, these systems have great market-penetration potential, with the ability to compete in the largest segment of the U.S. electric utility market.
The major elements of this program include the Biomass Power for Rural Development initiative, a collaborative of DOE, USDA, and two advanced technology demonstrations--the Vermont Gasifier Project and the Hawaii Biomass Gasifier Facility--both of which involve the evaluation of advanced gasification/gas turbine systems.
Achievements

In 1993, 10 private-sector consortia were formed.
In December 1994, DOE, in collaboration with USDA, issued a request for proposal for integrated biomass power demonstration projects. DOE received more than 350 requests for the solicitation. In response, private-sector consortia, representing more than 100 organizations from 25 states, proposed a total of 1,000 megawatts of biomass-generating capacity and the dedication of up to 250,000 acres to biomass energy feedstock production. The three proposals selected through this competitive process will demonstrate cost-competitive, renewable biomass electricity generation from dedicated energy feedstocks by 2001. In total, these three projects will generate over 150 megawatts.
The Vermont Gasifier Project will operationally demonstrate high-efficiency, "indirect" biomass gasification/gas turbine systems in 1998, and will produce over 15 megawatts of biomass power from wood resources.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Renewable Energy Commercialization--Geothermal Power (Climate Plan Action 26)

This initiative is part of DOE's Geothermal Energy Research and Development Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.3 billion
Energy savings of 0.15 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 3.5 MMT

To increase the competitiveness of geothermal power and educate utility companies on the advantages of geothermal power, DOE led a collaboration of the geothermal industry, investor-owned and municipal utilities, and the federal government to develop the Geothermal Power Initiative. The initiative has accelerated commercial operation of cost-shared geothermal projects, including the development of a pipeline to deliver treated municipal wastewater to raise reservoir pressure and increase the volume of hydrothermal fluids at the Geysers field in California; and cost sharing of initial power plants (on the order of 10 megawatts) at new geothermal fields.
Geothermal power has important advantages over fossil-fired, electric-generation technologies, including negligible atmospheric emissions and fixed fuel costs. These programs are designed to bring additional geothermal electrical power generation on line within the next three years and to stimulate new power development into the next century.
Partners include (1) the geothermal industry, which has helped plan the collaborative effort and has responded to solicitations for cost-shared projects, and (2) utilities, which will provide the market for geothermal power purchases. Interagency collaborators include the U.S. Department of the Interior's U.S. Forest Service.
Achievements

Using system designs and components developed by the DOE/industry technology-development partnership formed in the mid-1970s, the U.S. geothermal industry has deployed about 1,000 megawatts of new geothermal electric facilities at 12 sites in the western United States.
A solicitation for cost-shared geothermal power projects was published in the Federal Register in March 1995.
The Idaho Operations Office is reissuing a solicitation to identify a recipient who will conduct a small-scale commercial demonstration project during the fall of 1997.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Renewable Energy Commercialization--Geothermal Heat Pumps (Climate Plan Action 26)

This initiative is part of DOE's Geothermal Energy Research and Development Energy Research and Development Program. In the year 2010, this broader program is expected to generate:

Energy cost savings of $0.5 billion
Energy savings of 0.31 quads
Carbon-equivalent savings of 7.2 MMT

The goal of this action is to realize "400,000 by the year 2002" in annual geothermal heat pump (GHP) sales. With 120 utility partners representing a majority of the nation's electric customers, this collaborative effort is on track for reaching this goal.
GHPs are among the most efficient technologies for providing heating, cooling, and water heating to residential and commercial buildings. However, they will not likely emerge as a mainstream heating, ventilation, and air conditioning option without concerted efforts to increase cost-competitiveness, public knowledge of their availability and merits, and the GHP industry's ability to design, install, and maintain GHP systems.
To address these needs, the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium--comprised of electric utilities, GHP manufacturers, trade groups, environmental organizations, EPA, and DOE--has launched a "Geothermal Heat Pump Technology Demonstration and Market Mobilization Program." The program is designed to reduce energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and space-conditioning costs for residential and commercial building users by lowering costs associated with initial GHP installations. To build public confidence in the technology and to avoid the use of many different names, the industry has elected to use the name Geo Exchange to "brand" the technology.
Achievements

In conjunction with the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GHPs were installed in a number of buildings.
In 1996, 14 utilities committed over $12 million in jointly funded GHP pilot and demonstration programs.
In 1995 and 1996, over 4,000 Geo Exchange units were installed at Louisiana's Fort Polk Army Base. Statistically valid data show an annual savings of over 30 million kilowatt-hours and a summer-peak-demand reduction of 6.7 megawatts.

Contact: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Customer Service Center, 1-800-363-3732 (Domestic) or 703-287-8391 (International).

Continuation of Appendix A: Climate Plan Actions