U.S. Department of Education 

Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan 

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted: October 15, 2020 
U.S. Department of Education

2020 Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................1

Implementation Summary: Facility Management..............................................................................................................3

Implementation Summary: Fleet Management.................................................................................................................3

TRANSPORTATION / FLEET MANAGEMENT....................................................................................................................3

Implementation Summary: Cross-Cutting Operations.......................................................................................................5

SUSTAINABLE ACQUISITION / PROCUREMENT...............................................................................................................5

ELECTRONICS STEWARDSHIP..........................................................................................................................................6

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS .......................................................................................................................................7

Agency Priorities and Highlights.........................................................................................................................................8

Notable Projects and Highlights.....................................................................................................................................8
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2020 Sustainability Report and Implementation Plan

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Executive Summary

The U.S Department of Education (DoEd) is a tenant in all its occupied facilities, whereby its energy, water, and waste 

management services are managed, controlled, and included in each lease and paid for by the General Services 

Administration (GSA). Of the 26 properties DoEd occupies, 48% are GSA-owned and 52% GSA-leased (in commercial 

buildings). In the fall of this year, DoEd will reduce its portfolio by one property when it relocates from Harwood 

Center to Renaissance Tower in Dallas, then vacates Harwood Center. Since DoEd does not own any of the buildings it 

occupies, it does not report on the following goals of Executive Order 13834 in its Sustainability Report and 

Implementation Plan: 

Facility Energy Efficiency; Efficiency Measures, Investment, and Performance Contracting; Renewable Energy; 

Water Efficiency; High Performance Sustainable Buildings; and Waste Management and Diversion. 

DoEd’s strategic approach to sustainability include improvements to its facility space initiatives and reductions of 

greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Specifically, DoEd continuously works with GSA to reduce its footprint, generate 

rent savings, and lower Scope 1&2 GHG emissions. In addition, DoEd has promoted efforts to support reductions in 

Scope 3 GHG emissions. In the area of Sustainable Acquisition, DoEd ensures that applicable contracts contain the 

appropriate sustainable acquisition requirements. DoEd has met all Electronic Stewardship goals and continues to 

address challenges related to fleet management. 

DoEd staff comprises approximately 3,850 federal fulltime employees (FTEs) and 300 onsite contractors. Working 

with GSA through DoEd’s Space Modernization Initiative, the main areas of focus are as follows: 1) reduce the size 

and number of leased locations 2) redesign spaces to support different work patterns and activities, including 

innovative space layouts and increased natural lighting; and 3) meet the OMB guidelines to achieve an average of 

150-180 usable square feet (USF) per person and comply with OMB Memorandum M-12-12 Section 3: Reduce the 

Footprint. DoEd will continue to reduce its overall rental footprint in coming years. 

Over the last few years, GSA and DoEd have collaborated to reduce energy consumption at DoEd headquarters, the 

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Federal Building, and maintain LBJ’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 

(LEED) Silver status for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance. 

All remaining DoEd facilities are undergoing an evaluation in FY 2020 for opportunities to save space and costs. A 

complete renovation of the fifth floor of the LBJ building began in FY 2019 that includes the addition of energy 

efficient lighting and motion light sensors, water saving restroom fixtures, better use of natural lighting, and more 

efficient use of existing space. Upon completion, the fifth floor will accommodate nearly twice as many personnel as 

it did prior to its renovation. Additional floors will undergo similar renovations over the course of the next several 

years as funds become available. The overarching goal is to reduce DoEd’s presence in Washington, DC from three to 

two facilities. 

GSA sets the LEED goals. For example, all renovations of the LBJ building are certified LEED Silver or more, with Gold

or higher as GSA’s new standard.

DoEd reduced its space footprint 16.5% across its real estate portfolio since in FY 2008, from 1,572,553 SF that year to 

1,311,674 SF in FY 2020. The Facilities Services Division (FSD) manages the process where DoEd leases and operates 

those buildings through GSA. FSD and the DoEd Space Modernization Program (ESMP) look for ways to reduce energy 

consumption at all the properties DoEd occupies, increase energy efficiency across the agency, and increase 

productivity through innovative space design and technology enhancements. For example, elements of ESMP include:

• A variety of space types to support different work patterns and activities

• Increased natural lighting - direct access to daylight for more people

• Lower and lighter colored panels and dividers than the ones they replace
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• More meeting space and shared collaborative space

• More multi-use space

• Smaller individual workspaces

• Offices and meeting spaces that include glass partitions

DoEd reduced its footprint in Chicago and Washington, DC, by 41,546 usable SF in FY 2019, and another 28,455 usable 

SF in DC during FY 2020. ESMP continues with the following priority strategies and planned actions:

• Select properties that exhibit increased natural lighting, particularly those that are LEED-certified 

• Select ENERGY STAR products

• Implement energy-efficient, commercial office lighting, such as LED light fixtures, for lighter and brighter 

spaces

• Work with DoEd’s Office of the Chief Information Officer to add wireless connectivity, phone portability, 

enhanced audio-visual integration

DoEd’s strategic priorities are Dallas and New York. In Dallas, DoEd expects to reduce its footprint by 29,344 usable SF

in FY 2021, resulting in a 53% space reduction. In New York, DoEd expects to reduce its footprint by 5,754 usable SF in 

FY 2023, resulting in a 15% space reduction. Reducing its footprint lowers the agency’s overall environmental impact.

DoEd’s current fleet consists of 86 vehicles used primarily by the following groups: the Office of Finance and 

Operations (OFO), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Office of the Secretary of Education (OS) and the Office 

for Civil Rights (OCR). The vehicle types comprise of mid-sized sedans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and passenger 

vans. All the vehicles are considered flex-fueled vehicles, using E85, diesel or electric. DoEd continued to replace gas 

conventional vehicles with alternative fuel vehicles as those leases expired in FY 2019 and reduced its overall fleet 

size. DoEd realized an almost 10% reduction in vehicles designated as exempted-fleet vehicles.
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Implementation Summary: Facility Management

Not applicable because ED does not own any of the buildings it occupies.

Implementation Summary: Fleet Management

TRANSPORTATION / FLEET MANAGEMENT 

FY 2019 Petroleum Reduction Progress (Gal): FY 2019 Alternative Fuel Use Progress (Gal): 

45.7% increase in petroleum fuel since FY 2005 136.0% increase in alt. fuel since FY 2005

6.4% reduction in petroleum fuel since FY 2018 34.7% increase in alt. fuel since FY 2018

FY 2020-FY 2021 Plan: FY 2020-FY 2021 Plan: 

0.4% reduction in FY 2020 from FY 2019 0.4% increase in FY 2020 from FY 2019

0.2% reduction in FY 2021 from FY 2020 0.0% increase in FY 2021 from FY 2020

The Department of Education (DoEd) continues to dispose of gas conventional vehicles and replacing them with 

alternative fuel that consist of electric, hybrids etc. During FY 2019 and FY 2020, DoEd also disposed of underutilized 

vehicles which reduced the overall fleet size from 89 to 86. DoEd’s current fleet of 86 vehicles consisting of SUVs, midsize sedans, and vans are primarily used by the head of the agency, federal agents, and other dignitaries of the 

agency. DoEd provides policy guidance for use of vehicles through the Department’s Administrative Communications 

System Directive in accordance with the Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR), 41 CFR Subpart 102-34, 

Executive Order 13513 Federal Leadership on Reducing Text Messaging while Driving, and the DC Distracted Driving 

Safety Act of 2004. 

DoEd continually complies with the Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST), four times per calendar year reporting 

on, Actual Fleet Data, Forecast Fleet Data, Fleet Budget Data and EPAct § 701 / EISA § 246. 

Implementation Status 

The DoEd fleet complies with GSA mandated guidance for vehicles. DoEd is stable in its alternative fuel use as a 

percentage of total fuel, depending on the availability of alternative fuel which can be a challenge to obtain outside of 

the National Capital Region. DoEd refrains from acquiring non-efficient, non-alternative-fuel-use vehicles, and only 

acquires additional vehicles when mandated by a change in mission. DoEd has reduced fleet size by three vehicles.

GSA lets DoEd know the recommended replacement schedule. Vehicle miles traveled increased before the pandemic 

due to the mission of the federal agents. DoEd vehicle miles travel has reduced due to the pandemic for chauffeured 

services: transporting DoEd dignitaries between DoEd-occupied facilities to meetings at Executive-level facilities. 

Those activities were halted at the start of COVID-19. However, DoEd has returned two contracted drivers into service 

during Phase 1 of the DoEd Workplace Reconstitution Transition Plan. These chauffeured services cannot be moved 

online, because the meetings require the physical presence of DoEd dignitaries.

The Department of Education continues to follow the GSA mandated guidance of disposing of underutilized vehicles 

using the minimum replacement standards: Sedans - 3 years/60,000 miles, Buses - Mileage only, Trucks - By class, 6 

years/50,000 miles minimum. Acquisitions of alternative fuel vehicles are always sought when the need arises. 

Currently DoEd does not have an onsite fueling infrastructure and seeks fuel using the compiled list via the GSA 

website.
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From October through April of FY 2019, DoEd leased as replacements three (3) sedans, one (1) light duty truck 4x2, 

four (4) light duty truck 4x4, and one (1) medium duty vehicles, adhering to GSA’s acquisition and disposal schedule, 

typically based on age or miles driven. In FY 2020 DoEd replaced two vehicles in its fleet with two commercially 

leased, law enforcement SUVs 4x4 for use by the Office of the Secretary. DoEd sees an increase in fuel usage 

especially in rural areas where the E85 fuel is not readily available.

In FY 2009, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), DoEd’s Office of Inspector General more than 

doubled DoEd’s fleet size. As a result, when compared to the FY 2005 baseline, DoEd faced challenges in achieving 

the statutory reduction in petroleum fuel use in covered fleets compared to FY 2005.

Priority Strategies & Planned Actions 

The Agency continues to monitor vehicle acquisitions/disposals ensuring that all GSA mandates to reduce as needed 

or follows the GSA schedule. During the FY 2019/20 Acquisition open call, all vehicles were processed as 

replacements with the acquisition of dual-fueled vehicles. Forward-looking strategies remain as follows:

• Optimize and right-size fleet composition by reducing vehicle size, eliminating underutilized vehicles.

• Acquire and locate vehicles to match local fuel infrastructure. 

• Further increase use of alternative fuels in dual-fuel vehicles.

DoEd’s current fuel use has fluctuated since FY 2005 decreasing and increasing over time. The current data shows a 

decrease of fuel usage due to replacing gas-dedicated vehicles with dual fuel vehicles. There are instances where fuel

usage may seem a bit high especially when law enforcement vehicles are being used in rural areas. DoEd’s baseline 

fuel usage in FY 2005 was 26,796 GGEs; 41,327 GGEs in FY 2018; and 37,889 GGE in FY 2019. Therefore, while DoEd 

had an increase since 2005, DoEd has reversed this trend with a slight reduction during FY 2019.
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Implementation Summary: Cross-Cutting Operations

SUSTAINABLE ACQUISITION / PROCUREMENT 

FY 2019 Sustainable Acquisition Progress per the Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation (FPDS-NG): 

0.62% of contract actions and 0.62% of obligations (in dollars), for a total of $17.9M in contract actions with 

statuary environmental requirements

FY 2020-FY 2021 Plan: 

0.63% of contract actions and 0.63% of obligations (in dollars)

DoEd obligated a total of $2.886 B in FY 2019. The $17.9 M above, representing 0.62% of the total dollars obligated, 

were on contracts that included the required sustainability clauses. Over 98% of DoEd’s procurement dollars are 

spent on professional services, including financial services; the vast majority of which do not involve the purchase of 

ancillary supplies or equipment nor Department of Agriculture designated bio-based items. These service contracts do

not require the delivery of products. 

Thus, virtually everything DoEd procures per FPDS-NG, except for shuttle bus services, is not bio-based. DoEd 

continues to be 100% compliant with including required clauses in applicable contracts containing sustainable 

acquisition requirements. DoEd remains fully responsive to OMB Category Management requests and requirements.

Implementation Status 

DoEd performs a monthly review of FPDS-NG actions (using selected Product Service Codes) to identify all potential 

“sustainable” requirements that have been placed. Email alerts are forwarded to the cognizant Contracting Officer 

reminding them to ensure the required clauses have been included as well as an evaluation of the contractor’s 

compliance when doing the annual Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation.

Priority Strategies & Planned Actions 

DoEd plans to continue to adhere to the above stated internal policies, and will encourage acquisition staff to pursue

continuous learning in this area by taking such classes as, “Green Purchasing for Civilians” and “How to Integrate 

Green Into Acquisition,” both available through the Federal Acquisition Institute.

In addition, DoEd will reinforce training of statutory requirements and ensure accurate FPDS-NG coding of the

sustainability and bio-based requirements. This will include encouraging all acquisition staff who engage in FPDS-NG 

coding to view the following training video:

https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/pages/TrainingResources_1.xhtml

DoEd plans to maintain 100% compliance with applicable contracts containing sustainable acquisition requirements.

DoEd did not set a bio-based contracting target in FY 2019. The DoEd target of bio-based only contracts to be 

awarded in FY 2020 is one contract action for approximately $48,000.
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ELECTRONICS STEWARDSHIP 

FY 2020 Electronics Stewardship Progress: 

100.0% of newly purchased or leased equipment met energy efficiency requirements

100.0% of electronic equipment disposed using environmentally sound methods*

*Reuse, donation, recycling, transfer, sale or demanufacturing

DoEd’s information technology consists of a contractor-owned, contractor-operated system, called the Portfolio of 

Integrated Value-Oriented Technologies (PIVOT). This multi-contract acquisition encourages and incentivizes high 

quality customer service, new product innovation, is flexible to address new and changing business requirements, and 

optimizes cost vs. benefit in the delivery of Information Technology (IT) services to the Department over the life of the 

contracts. PIVOT is replacing the Department’s existing IT services contract known as Education Department Utility 

for Communications, Applications, and Technical Environment (EDUCATE). Under DoEd’s PIVOT contracts and 

anything awarded outside of PIVOT, DoEd ensures the Contractor shall: 

• procure equipment that meets sustainable electronics criteria

• enable and maintain power management on all eligible electronics

• ensure environmentally sound disposition of all agency excess and surplus electronics

Therefore, DoEd reaches 100% compliance in each electronic stewardship category.

DoEd is committed to sharing resources with other federal agencies.

Implementation Status 

In 2019, DoEd completed the migration of its systems to outsourced data centers. One of those data centers is 

certified a Green-collocated data center used by nine other federal agencies, while the other data center is a LEED, 

collocated facility supporting several federal agencies.

The PIVOT contractor has configurations in place where the laptops will go to “sleep mode”, whereby the laptops will 

hibernate after 20 minutes on battery or after 3 hours when connected to alternating current (AC) power.

Throughout the fiscal year, DoEd used government-wide strategic sourcing vehicles to ensure procurement of 

equipment that met sustainable electronics criteria. DoEd enabled and maintained power management on all eligible 

electronics. DoEd ensured environmentally-sound disposition of all agency excess and surplus electronics, consistent 

with federal policies on disposal of electronic assets.

Priority Strategies & Planned Actions 

DoEd will continue to employ the strategies described above, focusing on procurement management and disposal.

All newly purchased equipment will continue to meet the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) 

requirements, as ED Contracts for IT services and purchases include the FAR clauses 52.223-15 (Energy Efficiency in 

Energy Consuming Products) and 52.223-16 (Acquisition of EPEAT Registered Personal Computer Products). 

Furthermore, 100.0% of equipment will continue to have power management enabled on all eligible electronics.
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GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS 

FY 2019 Scope 1&2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: 

52.9% increase from FY 2008

0.0% reduction from FY 2018

DoEd Scope 1 and 2 emissions consist of only fleet vehicle emissions. Therefore, DoEd focuses on right-sizing its fleet 

of vehicles to address GHG emissions. DoEd has almost non-use of agency shuttle services and agency vehicles for 

most of FY 2020 due to the pandemic.

Implementation Status 

DoEd partnered with GSA to implement best management practices identified for emission generating and energy 

consuming equipment to address Scope 1 emissions from its fleet of vehicles. Note, Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG 

emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the federal agency, including covered fleets. In FY 2009, 

under ARRA, DoEd’s Office of Inspector General more than doubled DoEd’s fleet, adversely impacting Scope 1&2 GHG 

emissions. This growth of fleet size explains the increase of GHG emission from FY 2008. DoEd has kept its Scope 1 

emissions in check, with no significant change from FY 2018.

Priority Strategies & Planned Actions 

DoEd will continue to work with GSA to reduce Scope 1 emissions, such as determining underutilized vehicles within 

the fleet and further reducing/disposing of vehicles following their mandates.

DoEd will work with GSA to identify and support joint program offerings that encourage sustainability benefits for 

employees and consider greenhouse gas emissions.
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Agency Priorities and Highlights

NOTABLE PROJECTS AND HIGHLIGHTS 

Beyond these internal changes, DoEd administers a Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) awards’ program to inspire 

schools, districts, and institutions of higher education (IHEs) to strive for 21st-century excellence by highlighting 

promising school sustainability practices and resources. The award recognizes schools, districts, and IHEs that:

1. Reduce environmental impact and costs

2. Improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff

3. Provide effective environmental and sustainability education

Combined progress in all three of these areas, known as Pillars, serves as the basis for recognition. ED-GRS aligns 

with the DoEd’s cross-cutting goals for education, including improving student, staff, and facility performance and 

increasing efficiency at federal, state, and local levels.

In 2020, the Agency recognized 39 schools, 11 districts and five postsecondary institutions efforts to address the 

three Pillars of the program. DoEd also recognized a state education official for her efforts to advance school 

sustainability. The selectees included 28 public schools – among them, three magnet schools and four charter 

schools – as well as 11 nonpublic schools. Forty-five percent of the 2020 honorees serve a disadvantaged student 

body.