Strategic Objective 3.3: Promote a Culture of Resource Conservation

AOC’s strategies for this objective include:

• Improve facilities asset performance.

• Integrate sustainable practices into business operations.

• Strengthen a culture of sustainability with stakeholders and external organizations.

Discussion: AOC has a legacy of sustainability that began with the laying of the Capitol cornerstone in 1793. Sustainability is incorporated into AOC operations, maintenance, and planning at all levels. Sustainable practices include improving energy and water efficiency, using low-impact materials, promoting health and wellness, sustaining our natural sites, and practicing comprehensive recycling and providing sustainability guidance to divisions across Capitol Hill. More information on AOC’s sustainability practices is available at www.aoc.gov/strategic-initiatives/sustainability.

In FY 2014 AOC focused on enhancing the Capitol Power Plant’s production and distribution efficiencies. As part of this effort, chilled water production efficiency is being improved by optimizing the free cooling cycle. In addition, steam production efficiency continues to be achieved through annual boiler tunings which increase combustion efficiency and minimize in-plant losses. AOC also completed a feedwater pump project and addressed steam distribution system performance. This latter effort is being tackled through a concerted preventive maintenance program focused on piping insulation, steam traps and improvement of the condensate return.

AOC also improved equipment efficiency as a way to increase energy performance of AOC-managed buildings. AOC now employs High Performance Building criteria—identified in the agency’s new Sustainability Guidelines and Resource Guide—when selecting new equipment or retrofitting existing equipment. In addition, AOC included efficiency/performance data in the contract for Facility Condition Assessments.

AOC undertook a number of efforts as part of improving the operations and management of building systems. AOC decommissioned the majority of legacy pneumatic systems and plans a full conversion for several office buildings, in addition to the projects already underway to convert constant volume systems to variable air volume systems. AOC is providing ongoing systems-specific training in both traditional classroom format and on-site delivery, implementing its Building Automation System Master Plan, producing systems documentation (such as manuals and drawings) and performing system-focused energy audits as specified in the commissioning program.

In order to track and document progress, AOC installed advanced building-level metering on all utilities and condensate systems as well as selected sub-metering systems throughout Capitol Hill. The Utility Metering Enterprise System, which focuses on analysis and reporting, was completed last year and is being actively managed.

SERVE • PRESERVE • INSPIRE

Manuela Acors

Custodial Worker Supervisor, AOC House Office Buildings

Manuela Acors, Custodial Worker Supervisor, reflects all that AOC is expecting from an employee ambassador for the agency. At the House Office Buildings, Ms. Acors acknowledges and speaks to everyone she meets to make them feel welcome. At the start of every shift, she checks all committees and floors for use and expedites all work order requests. Ms. Acors proactively takes ownership of all the facilities she works in. Her dedication and professionalism are unmatched.