In 2024, the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) continued its mission to build the capacity of the Federal agency workforce to achieve efficient, clean, secure, and resilient energy use in facilities and fleets, saving energy and taxpayer money.
Federal Energy Management Program
December 20, 2024
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In 2024, FEMP strengthened its efforts to equip the Federal workforce with the tools and expertise needed to ensure efficient, clean, secure, and resilient energy use in facilities and fleets. These efforts enable agencies to lead by example while reducing energy use and saving taxpayer dollars.
It was a year of milestones for FEMP. To name a few:
- FEMP selected 98 Federal projects to receive a record amount of funding to help agencies implement energy- and cost-efficient measures and make progress toward meeting Federal goals.
- FEMP awarded and recognized more than 70 individuals, programs, projects, and contracts through our recognition programs. These awardees are leading by example, exemplify best practices for energy management within their agencies, and provide replicable pathways across the Federal government. The awardees are creative problem-solvers and energy leaders who are inspiring public- and private-sector investments and solutions in energy efficiency.
- More than 2,700 Federal energy management professionals joined FEMP in Pittsburgh, PA for Energy Exchange where more than 80 trainings covering emerging sustainable technologies and practices, energy and water fundamentals, strategies and actions to decarbonize buildings, financing for impact, shovel-ready technologies and approaches, and more.
- Federal energy professionals clocked an impressive 63,571 total training hours by taking FEMP's on-demand courses, online webinars, and on-site Treasure Hunts and Re-tuning trainings. The trainings spanned every phase of energy management - policy and planning, analysis and strategy, execution and funding, optimization and maintenance, and reporting results.
The successes from this year wouldn’t have been possible without our Federal agency, industry, and national laboratory partners.
Read more of FEMP’s 2024 highlights below.
2024 Highlights
10 Years of AFFECT Capped Off with Record Year
Phase 1 and Phase 2 of AFFECT funding brought the total investment in the Federal government to a historic total of $250 million. Over the last decade, FEMP has funded 160 projects, distributed approximately $300 million in funding, and leveraged $4 billion in private financing in Federal facilities, which ultimately resulted in $137 million in energy cost savings to date.
- AFFECT BIL Phase 1: In January 2024, FEMP announced 31 Federal agency projects will receive $104 million in AFFECT funding. The 31 selected projects will create good jobs, save taxpayers money through energy efficiency, and ensure a healthier, brighter future for our communities and kids. The selectees were announced on January 17, 2024.
- AFFECT BIL Phase 2: In October 2024, DOE announced $149.87 million in AFFECT funding for 67 energy conservation and clean energy projects at Federal facilities across 28 U.S. states and territories and six international locations. The selected projects will advance the adoption of cleaner, more cost-effective technologies to reduce pollution, improve air quality, create good-paying jobs, and lower the Federal government’s carbon footprint. This investment leverages nearly $1.6 billion in private capital and Federal funds, representing a $13.50 return for every Federal dollar spent—maximizing taxpayer value. The selectees were announced on October 30, 2024.
Clean Energy Rule Finalized
In 2024, DOE delivered on Congress’ mandate to reduce emissions from new or newly renovated Federal buildings through the Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings Rule.
DOE estimates that over the next 30 years, the new rule will reduce carbon emissions from Federal buildings by 2 million metric tons and methane emissions by 16 thousand tons—an amount roughly equivalent to the emissions generated by nearly 310,000 homes in one year.
2024 Events and Outreach: Recognizing and Empowering Excellence
Energy Exchange
More than 2,700 attendees gathered at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from March 25–27, 2024, for the most-attended Energy Exchange in history.
This annual training event equipped the Federal energy and water community with the knowledge, practices, and tools to meet ambitious energy goals.
FEMP Director Mary Sotos engages with a participant of the Early Career Professionals Program at the Energy Exchange 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Federal Energy and Water Management Awards
Held alongside Energy Exchange, this annual program honored 32 award winners from 12 Federal agencies across four categories: Career Exceptional Service, Contracting, Programs, and Projects. For the first time, the ceremony was open to all attendees.
Federal Utility Partnership Working Group (FUPWG)
In August, the FUPWG seminar in Houston, Texas, brought together nearly 200 representatives from Federal agencies, utilities, and energy service companies to discuss solutions for implementing cost-effective energy and water projects.
The 2024 FUPWG seminar hosted nearly 200 public- and private-sector professionals. Photo by FEMP
FEDS Spotlight Honorees
In October, 39 honorees from 14 Federal agencies were recognized in Washington, D.C., for exceptional efforts to cut energy waste, reduce costs, optimize performance, and advance America’s progress toward energy independence, resilience, and security.
Faces of FEMP: Leading by Example
FEMP’s achievements are driven by Federal staff, industry partners, and emerging energy leaders committed to sustainability.
DOE Scholar Alumna Lauren Posey Committed To Helping the Environment
“I want to be a part of making our day-to-day lives, industries, and processes more sustainable for the benefit of humanity and our precious ecosystems,” Posey said.
International Analytics Program Earns Federal Energy and Water Management Award
To make sure a building is operating optimally—that is, meeting its energy requirements in the most efficient way possible, someone needs to analyze its energy usage and affiliated costs.
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations Utility Analytics Program was honored at FEMP’s 2023 Federal Energy and Water Management Awards. Photo by FEMP
That’s where people like Jenna Faupel step in—except her responsibility for optimizing energy usage is not limited to just one building. As an energy manager inside the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, she analyzes the energy efficiency of 244 overseas embassies and consulates, managing data reported in 130 foreign currencies and 44 languages.
How Rachel Chang’s Attention to Detail Put Her in the FEDS Spotlight
Chang was recognized for stepping beyond her daily responsibilities to elevate data accuracy and reporting of energy, water, and sustainability metrics for hundreds of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration facilities—key information for the U.S. Department of Commerce, DOE, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
Meet the Empowered Women Advocating for Energy Efficiency
These women are at the forefront of transforming the energy landscape, each bringing unique perspectives and unwavering dedication to their roles. From fostering career development to spearheading innovative solutions, their contributions exemplify the vital role of women in shaping a sustainable future.
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