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chapter 1
compliance with statutory policies

3. WebEMIS

The foundation of an energy data management system has been built into the Web-enabled Energy Management Information System (WebEMIS) energy module. Phase Two of development and a customer acceptance test on the energy module were completed in 2004. Once complete, the WebEMIS will be able to collect and analyze valuable energy data nationwide for all types of Postal Service facilities. Data will be available to complete annual energy reports for the Department of Energy and the Office of Management and Budget. Energy management will be enhanced by having the data to produce utility forecasts and models for conservation projects. Telemetered data will eventually feed directly into the WebEMIS.

The WebEMIS air quality module was completed in 2004 and has undergone prototype testing. By the end of the year, users will be able to track air-related permits; find general information on air districts and basins, and maintain detailed records on relevant equipment.

4. Air and AFV Program Accomplishments

The Postal Service remains a federal sector leader in alternative fuel vehicle use through new vehicle technologies and compliance strategies.

In 2004 the Postal Service deployed electric vehicles (EVs) for use in its delivery vehicle fleet. Unlike conventional alternative fuel vehicles, EVs have no tail pipe exhaust, evaporative emissions, or refueling emissions. With widespread use, EVs can reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and air contaminants, as well as reducing consumption of oil. Operating these vehicles may also eliminate some maintenance and repairs, such as tune-ups, oil changes, and exhaust service. Under a partnering agreement with the New York Power Authority, eight new electric vehicles were acquired and deployed in New York City.

As part of an advanced vehicle technology demonstration project, in 2004 the Postal Service began testing a new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the first commercial application of a fuel cell vehicle in the United States. A fuel cell is an energy conversion device that converts hydrogen and oxygen into water, producing electricity and heat which is then used to power the engine. This vehicle will be operated on a delivery route during the next several years, enabling the Postal Service to gather valuable data on the operation of these zero emission vehicles under real delivery conditions.

5. Pollution Prevention and Recycling

Various Postal Service entities around the country participate in WasteWise, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) voluntary program that promotes recycling, waste prevention, and use of recycled products. The Northeast Area received the EPA's 2004 WasteWise Partner of the Year award — the highest honor in the WasteWise program — for the fifth year in a row.

2. Facilities

a. Real Estate Inventory

Table 1-5 Postal Service Real Estate
Inventory in 2004
Total owned facilities 8,807
Total owned interior square feet 215,293,358
Total owned land in square feet 939,055,676
Total leased facilities 25,413
Total leased interior square feet 97,816,753
Total GSA/other government facilities 425
Total GSA/other government interior square feet 4,193,868
Rent paid, including taxes, on leased facilities $945,946,562

b. Realty Asset Management

Realty Asset Management (RAM) provides internal expertise to identify, analyze, and maximize the return on underutilized and surplus real property assets controlled by the Postal Service. RAM generates income from real estate assets by maximizing the value of Postal Service property through its highest and best use, leasing or subleasing excess space to government and public tenants, and selling surplus real property. During 2004 gross revenues totaling $63.7 million were generated from the sources shown in Table 1-6:

Table 1-6 Realty Asset Management in 2004
blank (in millions)
Leasing to private tenants $13.1
Leasing to government tenants $27.1
Sales of excess property $23.5