By implementing clean energy strategies, local governments can reduce emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, lower energy costs, and improve the reliability and security of their energy system. Clean energy can also spur local economic development, improve public health and quality of life, and help communities meet sustainability and green building goals—all while providing opportunities for leadership and recognition. EPA is coordinating among federal, state, and NGO programs to make available a comprehensive database of planning, policy, technical, analytical, and information resources for municipal governments, developing Municipal Clean Energy Best Practices guidance, and offers free training webcasts. For more information click here.

EPA’s ENERGY STAR

EPA started the Energy Star program in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency in buildings, products, and practices. EPA issued the ENERGY STAR Challenge to help improve the efficiency of America’s buildings by 10% or more.

The Challenge can serve as a platform for local governments to lead by example through improving the energy efficiency of city or county facilities and promote energy efficiency to other sectors of the community.
To make outreach easy for participants, ENERGY STAR offers a no-cost Challenge Toolkit that contains co-brandable communication pieces and information on reaching out to other business sectors.
ENERGY STAR also offers cost-free, online tools and resources that help local governments measure the progress of energy and carbon reduction efforts.  Cities and counties can access Portfolio Manager to track energy use and associated costs and carbon emissions in existing buildings and Target Finder to set energy performance targets in new construction.
Learn more at www.energystar.gov/challenge