Cover Story

October is Energy Action Month: Think Globally…Lead Locally

The U.S. Postal Service^® delivers more than 40 percent of Earth’s mail, and making choices with the planet in mind is the way we run our business every day. This would not be possible without the leadership of our employees. Every day, they choose to save energy through myriad actions, from overseeing complex facility-wide energy efficiency projects and upgrades to simple acts like turning off a light or driving in a way to conserve vehicle fuel.

October’s Energy Action Month observance is the time to commit to take action, conserve energy, and celebrate success.

For more energy saving tips, please see the Sustainability Service Talk below. While the information is geared to our employees, it contains simple tips that everyone can use every day. To learn more about Sustainability at the U.S. Postal Service, visit our website at www.usps.com/green.

Thank you,

Thomas G. Day, USPS Chief Sustainability Officer

What is it?

Energy Action Month began in 1990 when President George H.W. Bush declared October Energy Awareness Month. In 2011, President Barack Obama declared October Energy Action Month. The change in names is to spur all Americans to not only be aware of energy conservation, but to take action on conserving energy. Energy is a fundamental part of our everyday lives. It powers our vehicles, homes, and offices. There are two types of energy — renewable and nonrenewable. Nonrenewable energy sources, including oil, coal, or natural gas, are known to produce greenhouse gases. Renewable energy choices like solar or wind power can limit the effects of greenhouse gases and are safer for the environment. Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the warming of our planet. Energy conservation is the practice of reducing our energy consumption. Energy conservation efforts have proved to reduce energy bills and lower greenhouse emissions.

Did you know…?

n The U.S. Postal Service has a goal to reduce energy use in facilities by 30 percent from a fiscal year (FY) 2003 baseline. We are on target to achieve this goal by FY 2015.

n USPS^® makes new and existing buildings more efficient with features like high-efficiency lighting and HVAC, recycled building materials (such as insulation), low-water use fixtures, solar energy systems, native plant species in landscaping, natural daylighting, and low volatile organic compound materials.

n Reducing energy use equates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. USPS has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 from an FY 2008 baseline. We are on target to achieve this goal by 2020.

What does it mean to the Postal Service?

USPS is committed to sustainable practices and is working to reduce our energy consumption. One way to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions is through energy conservation. USPS promotes activities that conserve energy. There are two ways we can conserve energy. The first is through energy-saving behavioral changes and practices, and the other is through energy-efficient products. Energy can be conserved through changing our habits, such as turning off the lights when we leave a room, or through products, such as purchasing energy-efficient lighting.

What can you do?

There are a number of ways to reduce energy consumption. Consider some of these energy-saving tips:

n Walk, ride a bicycle, or use public transit instead of driving.

n Maintain proper building temperature — 78 degrees in summer, 65 degrees in winter.

n Buy energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products. They use less energy, save money, and help protect our environment. Some utility companies and cities offer rebates and incentives to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified products and will dispose of your old refrigerator or water heater at no cost.

n Practice energy conservation at home. Schedule a home energy audit. Contact your energy provider for an energy audit. Some provide free energy-saving devices and even offer suggestions on improving insulation and energy efficiency.

n Practice energy conservation at work. Turn off lights when they are not being used. Notify maintenance staff of leaking sinks or outdoor lights that are on during daylight hours. Consider greening your commute to work by sharing rides with coworkers.