Executive Order B-18-12 Enacted by Governor Jerry Brown, Requiring State Agencies to Recuce Energy Consumption

Executive Order B-18-12 was implemented by Governor Jerry Brown on April 25th, 2012, with a main goal to allow state agencies to reduce their energy use on lighting, heating, air conditioning, and water. 

Highlights of the order are as follows:

1. To reduce energy use by at least 10 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.
2. The continuation of state agencies to reduce their energy purchases by at least 20 percent by 2018.
3. New or major renovations to state buildings that are larger than 10,000 square feet must use clean power generators, like wind power, solar photovoltaic, or solar thermal power.
4. State buildings that are 10,000 square feet or larger must be certified "silver" or higher by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
5. State agencies must provide electric vehicle charging stations in new and existing buildings.
6. The Department of General Services must work with other state agencies to develop policies for water conservation and further efficiency improvements. These must be implemented by July 1st, 2013, and should be continually updated in the State Administration Manual.
7. State agencies must reduce water use by 10 percent by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.
8. State agencies must use environmentally friendly products that have less of an impact on human health.
9. State agencies must report the progress of these measures.
10. Executive Order S-20-04 must also be rescinded immediately.

Executive Order S-20-04 was implemented by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on July 27th, 2004. This order also aimed to reduce energy use in state owned buildings by 20 percent by 2015. It also encouraged private sectors to achieve the same goal.

To read more about this order - check out a recent presentation given by the Sustainability Manager for the California Department of General Services, Dan Burgoyne.