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Architect of the Capitol: Progress in Improving Energy Efficiency and Options for Decreasing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

GAO-08-917T Published: Jun 18, 2008. Publicly Released: Jun 18, 2008.
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Highlights

In April 2007, GAO reported that 96 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions from the Capitol Hill Complex facilities--managed by the Architect of the Capitol (AOC)--resulted from electricity use throughout the complex and combustion of fossil fuels in the Capitol Power Plant. The report concluded that AOC and other legislative branch agencies could benefit from conducting energy audits to identify projects that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. GAO also recommended that AOC and the other agencies establish a schedule for conducting these audits and implement selected projects as part of an overall plan that considers cost-effectiveness, the extent to which the projects reduce emissions, and funding options. AOC and the other agencies agreed with our recommendations. This statement focuses on (1) the status of AOC's efforts to implement the recommendations in our April 2007 report and (2) opportunities for the Senate to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and associated environmental impacts. The statement is based on GAO's prior work, analysis of AOC documents, and discussions with AOC management.

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AccountabilityCost analysisCost effectiveness analysisData collectionData integrityElectricity demandEmissions inspectionEnergy auditingEnergy consumptionEnergy costsEnergy demandEnergy efficiencyEnergy managementEnergy planningEnergy policyEnvironmental assessmentEnvironmental monitoringEnvironmental policiesEnvironmental protectionFacility maintenanceFacility managementFossil fuelsGreenhouse gasesProgram evaluationRenewable energy sourcesStrategic planningCost estimates