Va. green order would cut energy, water use

Plastic water bottles? Gone.

State reports printed on paper? No more.

Biodiesel fuel? You bet.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced these and other changes in state government Wednesday by signing an executive order intended to reduce energy and water consumption and to invest in cleaner-burning fuels and equipment for state agencies, colleges and universities.

"By showing leadership in reducing the environmental impact of government operations, the commonwealth can inspire measures in the private sector and in the homes of citizens," states Executive Order 82. It's the third one related to green energy that Kaine has issued during his time in office.

One of the biggest goals outlined in the latest order is for state government to trim its bills for traditional energy supplies - gasoline, diesel fuel, electricity - by 25 percent by the end of 2012.

That would mean saving $60 million compared with what Virginia spent on energy in 2006, said Steve Walz, the governor's senior adviser on energy policy.

Locally, Walz said Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University have made significant strides already, whacking their energy costs by more than 25 percent from 2006 levels. They did it mostly by investing in new technologies and conservation methods.

Wednesday's decree requires all state agencies and institutions to implement transit and ride-sharing programs, and to encourage telecommuting by employees to reduce traffic congestion and air emissions.

To that end, the governor declared Aug. 3 "Statewide Telework Day," on which state employers, as well as private companies, will be urged to let their personnel stay home and work via computer.

Some of the more day-to-day changes involve the state Department of General Services, the agency that supplies most goods for state government.

The governor asked the department to buy 2 percent biodiesel fuel, also known as "B2," for state vehicles and power equipment by July 1, 2010, except for public safety agencies.

Kaine also banned the purchase of individual plastic water bottles, except for emergency or health-related uses, and required that new or leased appliances and equipment be Energy Star-rated for energy conservation.

In addition, the governor asked the department to buy only recycled paper for government copiers, faxes and printers, and to book meetings of more than 50 people only in buildings that are certified as "Virginia Green."

As part of his executive order, Kaine launched the "Green Commonwealth Challenge."

This contest calls on agencies, from June 15 to Nov. 15, to track the number of out-of-office meetings avoided through video or telephone conferences, expand their interoffice recycling and count the savings on their electricity bills.

The winners will be recognized at a ceremony in December.

The program is similar to one announced earlier this year by Kaine and Pentagon leaders, in which military installations across Virginia compete in various environmental categories.

"Some of these things may be small, but it gets employees involved, and that's all part of... changing personal behaviors toward these issues," said Walz, the governor's energy adviser.

Scott Harper, (757) 446-2340 scott.harper@pilotonline.com