Be Energy Smart and Water Wise

Achieve net-zero water use and net-zero energy for facilities and operations

Grid-distributed electricity and on-site fuel combustion to operate and occupy buildings and facilities are the largest sources of National Park Service (NPS) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions from electricity generation also contribute to air pollution locally and globally. The NPS closely tracks and benchmarks facility-energy use, identifies opportunities to conserve energy, and implements renewable and alternative energy projects.

With a changing climate creating extreme weather, where dry areas become drier and wet areas become wetter, clean water availability is a major issue in many areas. The NPS will minimize operational water use and implement sustainable water supply and conservation best practices.

Green Parks Plan "Be Energy Smart and Water Wise" Objectives:

1. Reduce overall NPS facility energy use intensity, measured in energy consumption per gross square foot (GSF) of building space.
2. Create healthy, efficient spaces by applying the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Federal Buildings in all new construction and modernization projects greater than 25,000 GSF.
3. Reduce overall NPS facility water use intensity, measured in water consumption per GSF of building space17 and water consumption per visitor.
4. Achieve net-zero energy and net-zero water at exclusively metered buildings within covered facilities.18
5. Convert direct fossil fuel use to electrical power so that 100 percent of facility energy use is carbon-free by 2030.
6. Maintain the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties while implementing sustainability and energy conservation measures.
7. Confirm all outdoor lighting projects are energy efficient and dark sky compliant.
8. Enhance and maintain native landscapes in and near the built environment to reduce water consumption.