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Energy Exchange 2024 Ignites Collaboration to Support the Nation's Clean Energy Future

More than 2,700 individuals came together March 25–27, 2024, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh to participate in the most attended Energy Exchange in history.

Federal Energy Management Program

April 25, 2024
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More than 2,700 individuals came together March 25–27, 2024, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh to participate in the most attended Energy Exchange conference in history.

Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), this event helps ensure that the federal energy and water community is not only aware of the technical, operational, and institutional practices and solutions needed to meet ambitious climate goals—but also equipped to implement strategies and take action. This training event plays a critical role in connecting the federal energy community with the knowledge and resources necessary to achieve mission goals.

This year's attendees hailed from more than 20 federal agencies, 18 utilities, 40 energy service companies (ESCO), and 250 energy and technology companies.

The participants also included 17 (of 20) ESCOs holding a DOE Energy Savings Performance Contract Generation 4 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract.

Additionally, the event welcomed 12 event supporters and 100 exhibit booths on the trade show floor.

A group of people pose for a photo in front of a conference sign.

FEMP Director Mary Sotos and Deputy Director Anna J. Siefken along with FEMP staff cut the ribbon to the Trade Show floor signaling the kickoff Energy Exchange 2024.

Photo courtesy of MC2

We heard from plenary speakers including:

The collective message from this group of exceptional speakers echoed how this is a pivotal moment in the clean energy history of the nation as goals, funding, and opportunities have aligned to catalyze the federal government as a leader in energy management. Speakers emphasized the importance of collaborating with industry and long-term public-private partnerships. Lastly, there was an emphasis on empowering individuals at the local and regional levels—as well as federal—to help drive the necessary change toward a clean energy future. 

Technical Sessions and Trainings

Energy Exchange 2024 was the optimal location for accredited training. The event offered 83 sessions across 11 tracks.

The 11 technical training tracks were:

  1. Federal Leadership Perspectives
  2. Statuses, Policy Drivers, and Reporting
  3. Meeting Zero Emission Vehicle Goals
  4. Strategies and Actions to Decarbonize Buildings
  5. Resilience Under a Changing Climate
  6. Energy and Water Fundamentals
  7. Shovel Ready Technologies and Approaches
  8. Emerging Sustainable Technologies and Practices
  9. Financing for Impact
  10. Feds and Third Parties: Partnerships to Meet Goals

In total, more than 16,000 training hours were accrued at the event.

Federal Energy and Water Management Awards

The annual Federal Energy and Water Management Awards were once again co-located with Energy Exchange. This annual competition honors federal employees, along with their private-sector partners, who develop and implement exemplary, cost-effective projects and programs that cut energy waste and advance America's progress toward energy independence, resilience, and security, while also helping their agencies achieve mission-related goals.

This year featured 32 award winners from 12 federal agencies who were recognized for their contributions in one of four categories: Career Exceptional Service, Contracting, Programs, and Projects. The award winners ranged from experts in performance contracting to international embassies becoming net-zero and a mobile laboratory optimizing electricity generation efficiency to reduce fuel consumption. For the first time, the ceremony was open to all.

Several of this year's award winners shared their lessons learned with attendees.  

  • A team from the Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations shared insights about their utility analytics program which normalizes international utility costs from all over the world in different currencies
  • An Army group from Alaska outlined their unique geographical challenges in a water and heat system slip lining project and
  • A Marine Corps base, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, shared their unique contract that will result in massive energy savings.

50001 Ready Awards Event

During Energy Exchange, FEMP recognized 27 federal sites that completed their ISO 50001-based energy management system in 2023. This program is a self-paced, no-cost way for organizations to build a culture of structured energy improvement that leads to deeper and sustained savings that does not require any external audits or certifications.

Representatives from the recognized federal sites spanned U.S. Army, DOE, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Transportation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

A group of federal employees pose for a picture.

Federal employees from 27 sites were recognized for completing their ISO 50001-based energy management system during the 2024 Energy Exchange.

Photo courtesy of MC2

What's Next?

Planning is already underway for the 2025 Energy Exchange that will take place in August 2025 in Anaheim, California. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Video Url
We look forward to seeing everyone in Anaheim, California, for Energy Exchange 2025!
Video courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy
Tags:
  • Federal Energy Management Laws & Requirements
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Clean Energy
  • Buildings and Industry