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Energy costs for utilities were $605 million, a 5 percent decrease from last year. The Facilities Energy Management Program has been aggressive in meeting, and exceeding, goals to reduce total facility energy use, as well as in reducing facility energy intensity 30 percent by 2015. At the end of 2009, the Postal Service achieved a 21 percent reduction in facility energy intensity compared to a 2003 baseline. In 2010, energy conservation projects for lighting, HVAC and controls resulted in a reduction of more than 1 trillion BTUs, yielding $24 million in utility savings. In addition, energy audits of 36.9 million square feet were conducted this year, which identified potential future energy reductions. Since 2007, these energy audits have totaled 137.5 million square feet.
The Facilities Energy Program continues to research the viability of solar energy projects that would both reduce the use of fossil fuels and have a favorable return on investment. Other successful initiatives include operating facilities according to high-performance sustainable building and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles and guidance, where cost-effective. The expansion of the Greenville, SC, mail processing facility received LEED Gold certification by following Postal Service Building Design Standards for energy efficiency.
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