Announcing the Winners of the 2023 Department of Energy Federal Energy and Water Management Awards

Secretary Blinken applauds the Department of State winners of the Federal Energy and Water Management Awards, who were honored in a ceremony on March 27 at the Department of Energy’s 2024 Energy Exchange conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Department of State had three of the winning teams selected from across the federal government for their outstanding contributions in the areas of clean energy and energy management at federal facilities. These efforts are part of the Department of State’s sustainability strategy to green diplomacy.

Winners from the Department of State:
The Bureau of Overseas Buildings and Operations’ (OBO) Utility Analytics Program was recognized for revolutionizing the Department of State’s global approach to utility reporting, energy conservation and cost optimization. OBO centrally collected and analyzed utility bills from 244 overseas posts, which continues to result in energy, water, and greenhouse gas reductions, amongst other positive impacts.

U.S. Embassy Koror and OBO were recognized for OBO’s installation of a 162-kW photovoltaic system, with the intent of making Embassy Koror the first U.S. net-zero energy embassy on a net-annual basis. The on-site solar installation was designed to produce 100% of the embassy’s historic power needs, resulting in a projected cost avoidance of over $100,000 each year and significantly reducing the embassy’s environmental impact.

U.S. Embassy Niamey and OBO were recognized for OBO’s installation of a pioneering large-scale battery energy storage system and microgrid controller. This system enhanced the energy efficiency of the LEED Platinum embassy by maximizing solar power usage and during its first year of operations, reduced diesel generator use by 97%.

OBO’s Director, Ambassador William Moser, accepted the (FEMP) awards on behalf of the State Department, which leads the way in global energy innovation. OBO was also represented at Energy Exchange in four conference sessions and a poster session. Energy Manager Jennifer Faupel spoke to the essentials of energy and water tracking and reporting for performance metrics. Renewable Energy Manager David Shaffer provided a case study approach to OBO’s use of life-cycle cost analysis to meet federal renewable energy goals. Managing Director Richard Sullivan participated in a panel of FEMP Award winners for a Lessons Learned Forum. Energy Program Analyst Cynthia Bensburg presented on case studies of successful efforts to decarbonize federal buildings and participated in a poster session as part of DOE FEMP’s Early Career Professionals Program.

Acting Chief Sustainability Officer Caroline D’Angelo, spoke at the Energy Exchange conference on the Department’s efforts on sustainability, including our path to operating on 100% carbon and pollution-free electricity by 2030 and having 100% net-zero buildings by 2045. Senior Clean Energy Advisor Mark Pitch moderated a panel on case studies in building decarbonization.

For more information on all 2023 FEWMA winners, please visit https://www.energy.gov/femp/2023-federal-energy-and-water-management-awards-winners .

For more information on the Department of State’s sustainability efforts or the Department’s Chief Sustainability Officer, visit state.gov/eco-diplomacy.