Railroad Retirement Board 

2016 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan 

June 30, 2016 

Agency Point of Contact 

Scott Rush 

Facility Manager 

Railroad Retirement Board 

844 N. Rush Street 

Chicago, Illinois 60611 

E-Mail: Scott.Rush@rrb.gov 
POLICY ST ATElVIENT 

Railroad Retirement Board 

FY2016 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan 

The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is an independent agency in the executive branch of the Federal 

Government. The RRB's primary function is to administer comprehensive retirement-survivor and 

unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the nation's railroad workers and their families under the 

Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance Acts. Approximately 895 employees work 

for the RRB, including approximately 243 in the agency's 53 field offices. 

The RRB operates and maintains its headquarters building through a longstanding delegation of authority 

agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA). The agency's field offices are either 

co-located with other federal agencies in GSA managed buildings, or located in GSA leased space. As 

such, the headquarters building in Chicago, Illinois, is the only facility of which the RRB has operational 

control. Along with improving the sustainable operations of its headquarters building, RRB also pursues 

mission-related projects that enhance the agency's overall sustainability. 

We are committed to reducing energy consumption, meeting required energy reduction goals, and 

conducting our compliance with all applicable environmental and energy statutes, regulations, and 

executive orders. These energy and environmental goals are established by Executive Orders 13693 

Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade; E.O. 13563 Preparing the United States for the 

Impacts of Climate Change; and E.O. 13327 Federal Real Property Asset Management and the National 

Energy Conservation Act and Energy Policy Act of 2005. 

RRB is committed to enhancing its resiliency to climate change to comply with, or exceed, required climate 

change goals and objectives established in environmental and energy statutes, regulations, and executive 

orders. RRB supports the climate change adaptation goals established by Executive Orders 13693 and 

13563. The RRB adopts the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force's guiding principles and 

framework for adaptation planning and is committed to enhancing the agency's resiliency to climate change 

by working with other federal agencies, the scientific community, and local stakeholders in the Chicago 

region to conduct proactive adaptation planning of common interest. 

This Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (SSPP) demonstrates RRB's commitment to meeting all the 

sustainability goals established by this SSPP. RRB will continue in its efforts to meet or exceed the goals 

established for 2025. 

Keith B. Earley 

Director of Administration/Chief Sustainability Officer 

U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

Chicago, Illinois 
EXECUTIVE SUMl\tlARY 

Railroad Retirement Board 

FY20 l 6 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan 

The mission of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is to accurately and efficiently administer 

retirement and unemployment-sickness benefits to railroad employees and their families throughout the 

United States of America. Approximately 895 employees work for the RRB, including approximately 243 

in the agency's 53 field offices. RRB headquarters, located in the William 0 . Lipinski Federal Building 

on North Rush Street in Chicago, Illinois, is the only facility over which the RRB has operational control. 

As the primary tenant, the RRB operates and maintains the thirteen-story, 365,000-square-foot historic 

building constructed in 1922 through a delegation of authority agreement with the General Services 

Administration (GSA). Under this agreement, established on April 1, 1986, projects over $50,000 in value 

and any capital improvements for the headquarters building are generally funded and approved by GSA; 

however, certain projects including major energy improvement efforts have recently been funded directly 

by RRB. RRB has a history of actively and successfully pursuing projects that reduce energy and water 

consumption in its headquarters building. RRB also pursues mission-related projects that enhance the 

agency's overall sustainability. 

1. VISION 

By meeting our planned sustainability goals through implementation of the initiatives stated in this 

Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (SSPP), we will reduce our energy costs and environmental 

impacts and, thus, our operating costs while continuing to execute our mission. Meeting these 

sustainability goals will also serve to improve the safety and working environment of the agency 

workforce and increase efficiency and productivity, thereby further enhancing RRB's high quality work 

serving the Federal Government. 

2. LEADERSHIP 

The Director of Administration serves as the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO). The CSO is responsible 

for administering RRB 's initiatives described in this SSPP and ensuring that all aspects of E.O. 13693 and 

other applicable executive orders and statutes are effectively implemented. The Facility Manager ca1Ties 

out building operations and maintenance (O&M) - related measures in alignment with the SSPP goals. 

The Chief Information Officer assists in implementing information technology-related measures. The 

Chief of Acquisition Management engages in implementing acquisition-related measures. Electronics 

disposal-related measures are the purview of the Communications and Property Manager. The successful 

implementation of the SSPP directly impacts the CSO's and the Facility Manager's performance 

evaluations. 

3. PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF GOALS 

3.a. Budget, Policy and Planning Integration 

RRB will integrate this SSPP into its building operations and maintenance budget planning. The 

implementation measures described in the SSPP will be prioritized along with other necessary projects in 

terms of their return on investment (ROI), taking into account environmental and social factors on a 

qualitative basis in addition to standard quantitative economic factors. For the headquarters building, 

RRB allocates funds annually based on budget availability for energy savings projects from the O&M 

budget. Many of the energy savings projects implemented with the O&M budget tie into the agency SSPP 

because they improve the efficiency of building systems operation and reduce both water and energy 

consumption. RRB will generally work with GSA to implement capital improvement projects that are 

discussed in this SSPP with a value greater than $50,000; however, their implementation is dependent 

upon selection by GSA Headquarters personnel and upon Congressional funding. Unlike prior years, 

some projects with a value of greater than $50,000 and initiated in fiscal year 2015 were funded directly 

by RRB with GSA approval. In future years, funding determinations are to be made on a case by case 

basis with careful ROI and other analysis regardless of the funding source. 
Executive Summary- RRB FY2016 SSPP 

The following RRB planning and policy documents relate to and incorporate sustainability measures and 

goals to address the requirements of E.O. 13693: 

• Administrative Circular RRB-1 Energy Conservation (December 4, 2007) 

• Administrative Circular OA-14 Procurement of Goods and Services (October I, 2009) 

• Administrative Circular IRM-17 Headquarters Printing Policy (February 16, 20 I 0) 

• B.B.O. 5 - Procurement, Property, Supplies, and Service (October 16, 2009) 

• Administrative Circular BSS-2 Tracking, Maintenance, and Disposal of Agency Accountable 

Property (June 5, 2003) 

3.b. Evaluation Measures 

At the close of each fiscal year, RRB will evaluate through preparation of the Annual GHG Inventory and 

Annual Energy Report whether the measures described in that year's plan have been implemented. RRB 

will also quantify the environmental improvements (e.g. reduced energy consumption, non-hazardous 

waste diverted from landfill, etc.) and evaluate progress towards targets specified in the SSPP tables. In 

the event that an SSPP target is not met, RRB will evaluate measures to meet the planned target in the 

upcoming fiscal year. In the event that it is not feasible to carry out an implementation measure, the 

agency will include a discussion of barriers that arose and how implementation measures in the coming 

year will allow the agency to reach its targets in the annual update of the SSPP. 

3.c. Successes, Challenges, Lessons Learned, and Planned Actions by Goal Area(s) 

The RRB's progress towards its sustainability goals and planned actions are outlined below. It should be 

noted that the following challenges affect more than one of the goals and are thus summarized here. 

Additional challenges and planned actions specific to each goal, where appropriate, are included in the 

goal-specific sections that follow. 

• Annual variations in seasonal temperatures affect the heating and cooling load in the headquarters 

building, thus affecting the building's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Goal 1), energy intensity 

metrics (Goal 2) and water use (Goal 4). Per CEQ communications, RRB understands that guidance 

will be implemented by the CEQ regarding providing a weather normalization adjustment to the 

agency's energy use intensity in FY2016. 

• Operation of existing equipment in the RRB headquarters building has been largely optimized and 

resulted in significant energy and water savings; however, significant capital improvement projects 

must be undertaken to further reduce energy consumption to meet the FY2020 Scopes l and 2 GHG 

emissions (Goal l), energy intensity (Goal 2) reduction targets and water intensity (Goal 4) reduction 

targets. Per the RRB delegation of authority agreement with the GSA, funding of most prospective 

projects over $50,000 in value is dependent upon GSA approval and Congressional funding. In 

recent years, certain elected projects have been handled internally and funded by RRB's own budget 

after careful return analysis and efficacy determinations along with GSA approval. With these 

funding options in place, the RRB's ability to implement strategies necessary to meet the FY2020 

energy and water related goals is still largely dependent upon GSA and Congressional actions. 

To address the aforementioned challenges, the RRB's planned actions include the following: 

• RRB will continue to work with the GSA to identify priority energy and water conservation projects 

to implement at the headquarters building based on a comprehensive audit conducted in 20 l 0. As the 

RRB has implemented several water-saving projects and significantly reduced water use in the 

building, the RRB will target energy efficiency including the following potential future projects: 

• Continue implementation of no- and low-cost recommendations from a FY2014 retrocommissioning study; 

• Improve efficiency of the building's air handling units (AHUs); 

• Continue effort to realign building cooling zones to properly cool the RRB on-site data 

center; 

• Retrofit the rest of the 51h floor with higher efficiency LED lights and fixtures; 

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Executive Summary- RRB FY2016 SSPP 

• Retrofit and/or replace existing lighting fixtures with LED lights in the data center; 

• Install and/or optimize occupancy sensors for lighting in bathrooms and the basement; 

• Conduct retrofit of multiple restroom facilities including installation of LED lighting, lighting 

controls, low flow fixtures, and occupancy sensors; 

• Replace aging and malfunctioning sinks and fixtures throughout the Facility. 

• GSA, in conjunction with RRB, began development of the design for the Lipinski Building 

Modernization project in FY2013. The RRB will work with the GSA to incorporate sustainable 

design principles that address and further RRB's energy efficiency and intensity, water use efficiency 

and management, and climate change resilience goals. Constrnction for the modernization project is 

anticipated to begin in FY2019, dependent upon congressional funding. 

• RRB will continue to collect and analyze annual energy data. The results of the RRB' s energy 

efficiency measures should show an overal.l downward trend in the RRB's GHG emissions and 

energy intensity metrics despite impacts of annual temperature variations. 

The following summary provides information regarding RRB's progress toward meeting reduction targets 

established in E.O. 13693, the actions RRB has implemented to meet those targets over the previous 12 

months, and planned actions the RRB will take over the next 12 months to continue to achieve success. 

The subject of many of these goals has been carried over from E.O. 135 14 and 13423 which were revoked 

by E.O. 13963 which took effect in the beginning of fiscal year 2016 (October 1, 2015). 

GOAL 1: GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) REDUCTION 

RRB Scope 1 emissions result from on-site combustion of natural gas in boilers that make low-pressure 

steam for building tenants. The only Scope 2 emissions category applicable to RRB is the purchase of 

electricity. RRB has a Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions baseline of 4,099 mtC02e for headquarters 

operations in FY2008. The agency's FY2020 target commitment under E.O. 13514 was 27.2 percent. The 

agency's planned FY2025 percentage reduction target from its FY2008 Scopes 1 and 2 baselines under 

E.0.13693 is 40 percent. 

With the publication of E.O. 13693 in 2015 , RRB set an overall reduction target of 20 percent by FY2025 

(revised from a FY2020 goal of 6.2 percent) from the FY2008 baseline for the following six Scope 3 

emissions categories (with target reductions presented for each category). At this time, RRB does not plan 

to voluntarily add emission categories to its Scope 3 emissions analysis. 

• Federal employee business Air Travel (31 percent) 

• Federal employee business Ground Travel (60 percent) 

• Federal Employee Commuting ( 19 percent) 

• Contracted Solid Waste Disposal (40 percent) 

• Contracted Wastewater Treatment (28 percent) 

• Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Losses from Purchased Energy (31 percent) 

RRB maintains an annual GHG emissions inventory for Scopes l, 2 and 3, which it will continue to refine 

in order to monitor progress against its emission reduction goals. 

Goal 1-1 Agency Progress- Scopes 1 & 2 GHG Reduction 

RRB has reduced its Scopes 1 and 2 GHG emissions by approximately 26.4 percent compared to the 

FY2008 baseline. To improve energy efficiency, the RRB has continued implementation or 

commissioned the following measures since June 2015: 

• Completed lighting retrofit on the 5th floor including replacement of fluorescent lighting with LEDs 

and use of daylight harvesting throughout the 5th floor office areas in tandem with installation of new 

control systems (motion sensors, control bridges, wiring, etc.) tied to the building automation system 

(BAS); 

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Executive Summary- RRB FY2016 SSPP 

• Space optimization pilot project on the 51

" floor including installation of new furniture systems and 

lighting retrofit mentioned above; 

• Updated control sensors for Facility heating, cooling, and lighting equipment; 

• Executed a new services contract with electrical utility to obtain 20%, up from 15%, of electrical 

power from renewable sources; 

• Planning a boiler system upgrade to install high efficiency burner equipment to allow for more 

efficient operation; 

• Installation of high efficiency LED lighting in the loading dock area; 

• Installation of a variable frequency drive (VFD) for the cooling tower fan system; 

• Conducted a Phase II data center redesign plan development, including isolating the data center airconditioning system compartment from surrounding office areas; and, 

• Completed remodel pilot of the 9th floor men's and women's bathrooms to include LEED design 

elements and set a new building standard for bathrooms. Three additional floors will be remodeled in 

FY2016. 

Goal 1-1 Challenges and Lessons Learned- GHG Scopes 1 & 2 

While in FY2015 the RRB's purchased electricity consumption as well as consumption of natural gas 

decreased by 2% and 17% respectively compared to FY2014, this reduction is highly attributable to a 

mild winter weather season. While this is a sizeable difference, it remains to be seen if the trend of overall 

reductions in Scopes 1 & 2 GHG development can continue in an inclement season. 

As noted above and in its Goal l Planned Actions summary below, RRB is increasing the efficiency of 

the building boiler systems which will help reduce Scope 1 emissions due to RRB's limited ability to 

make major building envelope improvements. The increase in the percentage of renewable energy 

purchased at the headquarters building from 15 to 20 percent starting in FY2015 through a new 

Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) contract is slated to continue and should prove an effective tool for 

decreasing Scope 2 GHG emissions. In addition, energy efficiency measures described above are aimed at 

decreasing purchased e lectricity and may be successful in further mitigating the impacts of variable yearover-year temperatures on reported GHG emissions. 

Future guidance and methods issued by the CEQ for conducting a weather normalization adjustment to 

the agency's energy use intensity will also provide a clearer picture of RRB's year-over-year progress on 

increasing energy efficiency at the RRB headquarters building. 

Goal 1-1 Planned Actions - GHG Scopes 1 & 2 

The following actions are planned in the remainder of FYI 6 and FY 17: 

• Implement project to repair the cooling tower variable frequency drive (VFD) controls tied to the 

BAS system to reduce delays in adjustment of fan speed in accordance with cooling tower activity; 

• Complete installation of high efficiency boile r equipment; 

• Continue project to repair air-handling unit (AHU) controls for heating coils to e nsure the units are 

not overheating; 

• Complete design of retrofit of data center air-conditioning zones and controls; and, 

• Continue lighting fixture retrofit for installation of LEDs and space optimization on three additional 

floors of the headquarters building. 

Goal 1-2 Agency Progress- GHG Scope 3 Reduction 

RRB remained successful in FY2015 in continuing to exceed the agency's FY2020 goal of a 6.2 percent 

reduction for Scope 3 GHG emissions as well as continuing moving towards its FY 2025 Scope 3 GHG 

reduction target of 20%. Compared to RRB 's FY2008 baseline, RRB Scope 3 GHG emissions in the six 

categories identified have changed as shown below: 

• Federal Employee Business Air Travel - 31 % reduction; 

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Executive Summary - RRB FY20J 6 SSPP 

• Federal Employee Business Ground Travel - 60% reduction; 

• Federal Employee Commuting - 19% reduction; 

• Contracted Solid Waste Disposal - 40% reduction; 

• Contracted Wastewater Treatment - 28% reduction; and, 

• T&D Losses from Purchased Energy - 31 % reduction. 

Overall, RRB has reduced Scope 3 emissions by approximately 13.8%. RRB's greatest reductions in 

Scope 3 GHG emissions resulted from: 

• A decrease in emissions calculated from wastewater treatment based upon decreased water usage; 

• A continued increase in the use of video- and tele-conferencing technologies in lieu of air travel, 

reducing employee air travel emissions; and, 

• A decrease in the total number of RRB employees at the headquarters building over the last few 

years, which in turn has resulted in a decrease in emissions calculated from employee commuting and 

contracted wastewater treatment. 

Goal 1-2 Challenges - GHG Scope 3 

RRB's federal employee commuting and contracted wastewater treatment emissions continue to decrease 

due to a reduction in staff at the headquarters building. Due to limited resources, RRB has not reissued a 

federal employee commuting survey since 20 IO; therefore, existing employee commuting emissions are 

calculated using the 2010 survey data relative to the number of employees in place during the current 

reporting year. In addition, RRB uses the default calculation method for Scope 3 wastewater emissions, 

which is based on the number of employees. Therefore, RRB emissions in these categories will continue 

to be tied to the RRB employee count. 

As the majority of employees working at the headquarters building are long-time employees, the overall 

commuting habits of RRB employees are not expected to change significantly without major changes to 

the RRB teleworking programs. However, as RRB implements an expanded teleworking program, installs 

new optimized floor plans that benefit teleworkers, and as staff retire and a younger, more mobile 

workforce increases, RRB assumes that commuting habits will change. Therefore, RRB will conduct 

another commuter survey once the telecommuting program and new optimized floor plans have been 

established in the RRB headquarters building. 

Business-related ground travel in FY2014 was greatly reduced, though not sustained in FY2015. 

However, the overall trend continues to be a great reduction in the emissions from the FY2008 baseline. 

As the use of tele-conferencing and other collaboration technologies becomes more familiar, it is 

expected that the need for some of these trips will be reduced. 

Goal 1-2 Lessons Learned- GHG Scope 3 

RRB's Scope 3 emissions are expected to benefit from the RRB's continuing efforts to modernize the 

agency's work processes, including increasing the use of tele- and video-conferencing as well as 

increasing opportunities for teleworkjng. 

Goal 1-2 Planned Actions- GHG Scope 3 

As the percentage of GHG emissions from employee commuting is by far the largest of RRB's Scope 3 

GHG emissions, RRB will continue to target reductions in this category through the following actions: 

• RRB is expanding the RRB telework program to ensure an expanded program is consistent with RRB 

IT security as well as job duty requirements; and 

• RRB will continue to educate employees regarding the Regional Transportation Authority/Chicago 

Transit Authority (RT A/CT A) Transit Benefit Program. Under this pre-tax salary offset program, 

commuting costs claimed by employees are collected prior to application of federal and local taxes on 

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Executive Summary - RRB FY2016 SSPP 

their paychecks, thereby increasing the incentive to use various available modes of public 

transportation. 

In addition, RRB will continue to implement and expand the video- and teleconference options for 

internal and external operations to reduce the number of car rentals and air segments flown. The 

teleconference program has resulted in significantly fewer air and ground travel, and RRB anticipates this 

trend to continue in the near future. 

GOAL 2: SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS 

Goal 2-1 Agency Progress Challenges and Planned Actions - Facility Energy Conservation Goal 

E.O. 13693 requires agencies to reduce building energy intensity by 2.5% annually through the end of 

FY2025 (measured in British thermal units per square foot), relative to a FY 2015 baseline. 

Since 2003, RRB has reduced its energy intensity (Btu/GSF) at the headquarters building by 16.2 percent, 

missing the FY2015 energy intensity reduction goal of 30 percent. As noted previously, the RRB natural 

gas consumption is tightly linked to the number of colder weather days as the RRB is in control of only 

the single headquarters facility which can cause relatively large fluctuations in energy intensity year to 

year. As existing boilers are largely optimized and the RRB must get approval from GSA and 

Congressional funding for projects over $50,000, the RRB is currently limited in its ability to reduce 

natural gas consumption. However, RRB is committed to targeting reductions in purchased electricity. 

See Planned Actions under Goal 1 - Scopes l and 2 GHG emissions for details. 

Goal 2-1 Agency Progress, Challenges and Planned Actions- Total Buildings Meeting the Guiding 

Principles 

Section 3(h) of E.0. l3693 requires that agencies will improve building efficiency, performance, and 

management and requires that agencies identify a percentage of the agency's existing buildings above 

5,000 gross square feet intended to be energy, waste, or water net zero buildings by FY 2025 and 

implementing actions that will allow those buildings to meet that target. As RRB only manages a single 

facility RRB's 2025 target is not applicable. RRB will continue to pursue as much savings in energy, 

waste, and water reduction related projects as practicable but it is unlikely given the environment of the 

RRB facility that a net zero impact will be reached by 2025. As indicated above, RRB allocates money 

annually from the headquarters building O&M budget for energy savings projects and does not directly 

receive funds for implementing capital improvements. Many of the energy savings projects implemented 

with O&M budget tie into the agency SSPP because they improve the efficiency of building systems and 

reduce water and energy consumption. The RRB will work with the GSA to incorporate sustainable 

design principles that meet the Guiding Principles into the Lipinski Building Modernization design that 

address and further RRB's energy efficiency and intensity, water use efficiency and management, and 

climate change resilience goals. 

GOAL 3: CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY 

Goal 3-1 Agency Progress - Clean Energy Goal 

Section 3(b) of E.O. 13693 requires that, at a minimum, the percentage of an agency's total electric and 

thermal energy accounted for by renewable and alternative energy shall be not less than 10% in FY 2016-

17; 13% in FY 2018-19; 16% in FY 2020-21; 20% in FY 2022-23; and 25% by FY 2025. RRB has 

proactively pursued renewable sources of elect1ical power for a number of years and beginning in a 

portion of FY2015, the facility implemented a new services contract to utilize electrical power consisting 

of no less than 20% power generated by renewable sources. 

Goal 3-1 Challenges 

As of the writing of this report, no reasonably available sources of renewable or clean thermal energy are 

available in the geographic region of the RRB headquarters. RRB has dedicated significant manpower 

and funds to optimizing the heating and cooling systems to most efficiently use the thermal energy 

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Executive Summary- RRB FY2016 SSPP 

available and will continue to do so. In the future, RRB will continue to consider alternative heating and 

thermal energy opportunities for the Facility. 

Goal 3-1 Lessons Learned 

RRB will continue to pursue all available efficiency gains available via maintenance and tuning as well as 

installation of variable frequency drives within the heating systems. 

Goal 3-2 Agency Progress - Renewable Electric Energy Goal 

Section 3(c) of E.O. 13693 requires that, at a minimum, the percentage of an agency's total electric 

energy consumption accounted for by renewable energy shall be not less than l 0% in FY 2016-17; 15% 

in FY 2018-19; 20% in FY 2020-21; 25% in FY 2022-23; and 30% by FY 2025. As stated, RRB has 

implemented a new services contract to utilize electrical power consisting of no less than 20% power 

generated by renewable sources. This agreement serves to exceed the requirements for FY 2016 through 

2019 and meet the declared goal for FY2020-21. 

Goal 3-2 Challenges 

RRB has effectively met the stated goals for each year through FY 202 l. While this is a success, each 

potential opportunity for energy savings will continue to be analyzed as any complete reduction in 

consumption will continue to be economically advantageous for RRB. 

Goal 3-2 Lessons Learned 

Electrical service offered under the newly implemented REC continues to serve the facility with a reliable 

source of electrical power to meet and exceed the present facility goals. 

GOAL 4: WATER USE EFFICIENCY & MANAGEMENT 

Goal 4-1 Agency Progress - Potable Water Consumption Intensity Reduction Goal 

Section 3(f) of E.O. 13693 requires agencies to reduce potable water intensity by 2% annually through 

FY2025 compared to an FY2007 baseline. A 36% reduction is required by FY2025. RRB has 

consistently implemented water conservation measures in the RRB headquarters building, including 

replacing 3 gallon-per-flush toilets with l.25 gallon-per-flush toilets, replacing 1.5 gallon/flush urinals 

with 0.5 gallon/flush urinals, adding automatic flush valves, as well as improving the hot water 

circulation system throughout the bui I ding. These projects have resulted in a 30.2 percent decrease in 

water consumption in FY2015 in the headquarters building as compared to the FY2007 baseline. 

Additional efforts including repairs to an aging cooling tower unit and continued retrofit of aging water 

fixtures will continue this trend towards meeting the FY2025 goal. 

Goal 4-1 Challenges 

As indicated above, RRB is limited by available funding. An example of this is that RRB submitted a 

proposal to the GSA for American Recovery and Investment Act (ARRA) funding for a roof water 

capture system that was refused; as RRB was at the time exceeding the (then present) FY2020 and 

FY2025 water reduction goal, implementation of such a system is not a top priority. Although the water 

usage did increase from FY 20L4 to FY 2015, this increase is expected to be remedied by repair of aging 

cooling units. Anticipated improvements to chillers and cooling towers included in the FY20 l 9 building 

renovation should contribute to add itional water reductions. 

Goal 4-1 Lessons Learned 

The building water use savings achieved through replacement of toilets, urinals, flush valves and faucets, 

as well as improvements in the hot water circulation system have been significant; however a majority of 

the fixtures have been replaced at the Facility. Future reductions in consumption will be based upon more 

efficient controls and elimination of fau lts which cause leaks, drips, or excess use of water. 

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Executive Summary - RRB FY2016 SSPP 

Goal 4-2 Industrial, Landscaping and Agricultural Water Goal 

RRB presently does not utilize water for these purposes and the goal is not expected to be applicable to 

the facility in coming years. 

Goal 4 Planned Actions 

E.O. 13693 requires a 36% reduction by 2025 relative to a 2007 baseline, which RRB has already 

exceeded in previous years. As RRB has dedicated significant budget and labor towards water reduction 

measures in the last several years and has achieved significant success, RRB is directing increased 

funding towards energy efficiency measures in coming years. However, to continue to build on its 

previous successes, the RRB has planned the following water reduction action for implementation in 

FY2016: 

• RRB is replacing faucets throughout the building with new, more effective sensor technology and 

maintaining the previously installed low flow equipment. 

• RRB has continued to maintain and repair cooling towers to reduce overall water usage. 

GOAL 5: FLEET MANAGEMENT 

RRB has no reportable fleet vehicles. 

GOAL 6: SUSTAINABLE ACQUISITION 

In FY2015, at least 95 percent of RRB's applicable new contract actions meet federal mandates for 

acquiring products that are energy efficient, water efficient, biobased, environmentally preferable, nonozone depleting, recycled content, or are non-toxic or less toxic alternatives, where these products meet 

performance requirements. 

RRB's performance and actions regarding bio-preferred product procurement are no different from the 

other attributes listed above. One example of RRB's transition to biobased products is that since FY2009, 

RRB has required support services to use the following biobased products in the headquarters building: 

penetrating lubricants, greases, floor strippers, bathroom and spa cleaners, glass cleaners, hand cleaners 

and sanitizers, and carpet. 

Goal 6-1 Agency Progress - Sustainable Acquisition Goal 

Section 3(i) of E.O. 13693 requires agencies to promote sustainable acquisition by ensuring that 

environmental performance and sustainability factors are considered to the maximum extent practicable 

for all applicable procurements in the planning, award and execution phases of acquisition. RR B 

procurement language incorporates Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses to purchase goods 

and/or services that are energy efficient, water efficient, bio-based, environmentally preferable, nonozone depleting and non-hazardous, and contain recycled content. It should be noted that RRB generally 

fulfills its green product delivery orders through GSA contracted vendors, significantly reducing the 

number of contracts issued directly by RRB for such products. 

RRB's commitment to training acquisition personnel on green purchasing policies and procedures is 

critical to the agency's success in meeting this goal. RRB conducts green procurement training on a 

biennial basis. In FY2014 and 2015, 50 percent of acquisition personnel received documented training 

that covered EPA-designated recycled content products, ENERGY STARTM products, bio-based and 

USDA-designated bio-preferred products, environmentally preferable products and services, WaterSense 

and other water-efficient products, and non-ozone depleting substances. By the end of calendar year 2015, 

all RRB acquisition personnel will receive training that covers the above topics. 

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Executive Summary- RRB FY2016 SSPP 

Goal 6-1 Challenges 

RRB has encountered instances of ENERGY STARTM certified servers not meeting the necessary 

performance requirements. 

Goal 6-1 Lessons Learned 

The extended analysis of certain projects has lead to further optimization of RRB budgeting with regard 

to future sustainability related savings and consumption reductions. 

Goal 6-2 Agency Progress - Biobased Purchasing Targets 

The Agricultural Act of 2014 requires that agencies establish a targeted biobased-only procurement 

requirement. Section 3(iv) of E.O. 13693 requires agencies to establish an annual target for increasing the 

number of contracts to be awarded with BioPreferred and biobased criteria and the dollar value of 

BioPreferred and biobased products to be delivered and reported under those contracts in the following 

fiscal year. 

For FY2017, RRB has established a target of 95% contracts and budgetary spending in products to be 

delivered. 

Goal 6-2 Challenges 

As with the pursuit of any newly instituted goal, effective training and communication will be paramount 

to success of the biobased purchasing target goal. While many of the initiatives will build on already 

instituted policies within RRB such as the requirement for support service contractors to utilize biobased 

cleaners and other substances, effective tracking and pursuit of products and services which meet this goal 

will be another required consideration for each RRB acquisition pursuit. 

Goal 6-2 Lessons Learned 

As the goal is a new pursuit, lessons identified in analyzing and meeting previous goals will be 

implemented. 

Goal 6 Planned Actions 

E.O. 13693 requires agencies to promote sustainable acquisition by ensuring that environmental 

performance and sustainability factors are considered to the maximum extent practicable for all applicable 

procurements in the planning, award and execution phases of acquisition. 

• Use the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) to assess whether 95 percent of RRB new 

applicable contract actions meet the requirements of this goal. RRB already uses FPDS to track 

purchases over $3,000 and report their recycled content, in compliance with RCRA requirements. 

• Adhere to RRB' s sustainable acquisition training programs including training all acquisition 

personnel on green purchasing policies and procedures on a biennial basis. 

• Provide training class for IT staff on procurement requirements, including how these requirements 

affect the procurement of servers. 

GOAL 7: POLLUTION PREVENTION & WASTE REDUCTION 

Goal 7 Agency Progress - Pollution Prevention & Waste Reduction Goal 

Section 3(j) of E.O. 13693 requires that Federal agencies advance waste prevention and pollution 

prevention and to annually divert at least 50% of non-hazardous construction and demolition debris. 

Section 3(j)(ii) further requires agencies to divert at least 50% of non-hazardous solid waste, including 

food and compostable material, and to pursue opportunities for net-zero waste or additional diversion . 

The RRB headquarters building has seen a reduction in non-hazardous solid waste generation of 

approximately 33.6 percent since FY2008, putting RRB well on its way to meeting the E.O. 13693 

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Executive Summary - RRB FY2016 SSPP 

requirement to divert at least 50% of non-hazardous and 50% of construction and demolition debris via 

source reduction and increased diversion of compostable materials. RRB employs the following programs 

to reduce waste generation and divert solid waste from the landfill: 

• RRB has partnered with Staples® through the waste recycling company Terracycle to contribute to 

the Writing Instrument Brigade, which creates new products from used writing implements; 

• RRB participates in an Ability One program for reuse or recycling of shredded paper; 

• RRB provides adequate receptacles for recycling of paper, cardboard, aluminum, glass and plastic 

throughout the headquarters building (including a container at each desk for paper) to encourage 

employees to recycle. Approximately I 0 to 15 percent of the solid waste collected each month 

consists of bottles, cans, and corrugated cardboard that is diverted for recycling; and 

• RRB maintains a printing policy to reduce paper use at the agency consisting of the following steps: 

o Setting duplex printing as the default for existing capable equipment, and ensuring new 

network printers are duplex capable; 

o Encouraging the use of the multiple pages per sheet option when printing; and, 

o Restricting less efficient desktop printer usage to executives, those who must p1int 

confidential information, and employees who receive a policy exception, such as a reasonable 

accommodation request. 

It should be noted that RRB does not currently use or purchase hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the 

Lipinski building. 

Goal 7 Challenges 

As the RRB shares waste disposal facilities with tenants on the first floor, RRB 's ability to accurately 

measure the RRB's contribution to building solid waste and recycling tonnage each year is limited to an 

estimation of percentage based on observations of the contents of on-site dumpsters (RRB' s contribution 

is estimated to be 60 percent of total). As such, RRB 's ability to accurately account for reductions in solid 

waste generation resulting from changes to RRB pollution prevention and waste reduction programs may 

be impacted. 

Goal 7 Lessons Learned 

RRB is finding creative ways to divert waste from the landfill through existing programs with Staples®. 

In addition, more specific information on RRB versus tenant waste generation is needed to better evaluate 

RRB waste minimization program effectiveness. 

Goal 7 Planned Actions 

• RRB will conduct an on-site waste audit by the end of FY2016 to assess RRB versus tenant waste 

generation. 

GOAL 8: ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS 

Agency Progress, Lessons Learned and Planned Actions - Performance Contracting Goal 

Section 3(k) of E.O. 13693 requires that agencies implement performance contracts for Federal buildings. 

Section 3(k)(iii) of E.O. l 3693 also requires that agencies provide annual targets for performance 

contracting. 

Based upon the relatively small footprint, both environmentally and physically, this requirement is not 

expected to be applicable to the RRB headquarters facility . While intended as a procurement vessel to 

allow for savings related to utility consumption reduction to pay for capital improvements without upfront 

costs to agencies, the performance contract performance is not a viable option for a facility the size of 

RRB. As the agency only manages a single facility housing fewer than 900 employees, the opportunity 

for cost savings is not likely to be large enough to allow for consideration by an energy service company. 

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Executive Summary - RRB FY2016 SSPP 

RRB will continue to pursue energy reduction related projects utilizing funding from the RRB budget, as 

well as through its agreement with the GSA for selected projects of a greater value. As such, the RRB 

does not foresee any future energy performance contracts and has not made a goal for FY2017 and 

FY2018. 

GOAL 9: Electronics Stewardship & Data Center 

Section 3(1) of E.O. 13693 requires that each agency promotes electronics stewardship, including 

procurement preference for environmentally sustainable electronic products; establishing and 

implementing policies to enable power management, duplex printing, and other energy efficient or 

environmentally sustainable features on all eligible agency electronic products; and employing 

environmentally sound practices with respect to the agency's disposition of all agency excess or surplus 

electronic products. RRB has an established policy of purchasing electronic equipment equipped with 

these features whenever possible. 

Goal 9-la -Agency Progress - Procurement Goal 

As dictated in Section 3(1) of E.O. 13693, each facility is to pursue a goal of procuring at least 95% of 

monitors, PCs, and laptops which meet environmentally sustainable electronics criteria. For FY2015, 

RRB succeeded in meeting this goal by procuring only units meeting these requirements and phasing out 

older units which do not. 

Goal 9-la - Challenges 

As stated with regards to Goal 6-1, RRB has encountered instances of ENERGY ST ARTM certified 

servers not meeting the necessary performance requirements but as technology has progressed, this has 

become a less frequent event. 

Goal 9-Ja - Lessons Learned 

The extended analysis of certain equipment purchases has lead to further optimization of RRB budgeting 

with regard to technology purchases and costs savings related to consumption reductions. 

Goal 9-la - Planned Actions 

The RRB will continue, when practicable, to purchase electronics meeting the necessary requirements. 

As technology continues to develop, it is expected that the specifications of certified units will continue 

rise and will be able to more easily meet the requirements and demands of certain high demand 

electronics such as servers. 

Goal 9-lb-Agency Progress - Power Management Goal 

As dictated in Section 3(1) of E.O. 13693, each facility is to equip or enable 100% of computers, laptops, 

and monitors with power management features. For FY2015, RRB succeeded in meeting this goal, as all 

units are equipped with power management features. 

Goal 9-lb- Challenges 

While units are equipped with these features, it is unknown how well these features are utilized by 

individual users and whether systems are set up to most effectively reduce electrical consumption. 

Goal 9-lb - Lessons Learned 

The extended analysis of certain equipment purchases has led to further optimization of RRB budgeting 

with regard to technology purchases and costs savings related to consumption reductions. 

Goal 9-lb- Planned Actions 

RRB will continue to purchase equipment equipped with power management hardware or software. RRB 

will instruct IT to ensure that these features are utilized on all newly purchased units. 

Goal 9-lc -Agency Progress- End-of-Life Goal 

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Executive Summary - RRB FY2016 SSPP 

As dictated in Section 3(1) of E.O. 13693, each facility is to dispose of 100% of electronics using 

environmentally sound methods. At present, RRB meets this goal by disposing of 100% of electronic 

equipment through CEC Environmental. This arrangement, or a similar arrangement with a qualified 

recycling facility, will be maintained in future years. 

Goal 9-Jc - Challenges 

While units are equipped with these features, it is unknown how well these features are utilized by 

individual users and whether systems are set up to most effectively reduce electrical consumption. 

Goal 9-Jc - Lessons Learned 

The extended analysis of certain equipment purchases has lead to further optimization of RRB budgeting 

with regard to technology purchases and costs savings related to consumption reductions. 

Goal 9-Jc - Planned Actions 

RRB will continue to purchase equipment equipped with power management hardware or software. RRB 

will instruct IT to ensure that these features are utilized on all newly purchased units. 

Goal 9-2 -Agency Progress - End-of-Life Goal 

As dictated in Section 3(1) of E.O. 13693, each facility is to dispose of 100% of electronics using 

environmentally sound methods. At present, RRB meets this goal by disposing of 100% of electronic 

equipment through CEC Environmental. This a1Tangement, or a similar arrangement with a qualified 

recycling facility, will be maintained in future years. 

Goal 9-2 - Challenges 

RRB has succeeded in identifying which waste streams are appropriate for beneficial recycling. 

Continuing the trend of reduction of waste generation will require careful analysis of the intended 

lifecycle and costs associated with electronic equipment purchases. 

Goal 9-2 - Lessons Learned 

The extended analysis of various rated specifications for electronics adds another element to the 

determination of appropriate acquisitions. Appropriate disposal costs should be considered as well as any 

change in expected Ii fe cycle when purchasing new electronics. 

Goal 9-2 - Planned Actions 

RRB will continue to dispose of all applicable electronics via arrangements with a qualified recycling 

entity. Additionally, waste reduction measures such as equipment upgrades will be considered . 

GOAL 10: CL IMA TE CHANGE RESILIENCE 

RRB is committed to enhancing its resiliency to climate change and conducting operations that comply 

with and exceed required goals and objectives with all environmental and energy statutes, regulations, and 

executive orders. 

Goal 10 - Agency Progress 

Section 3(h)(viii) of E.O. 13693 required each agency to evaluate agency climate change risks and 

vulnerabilities to identify and manage the effects of climate change on the agency's operations and 

mission in both the short and long term. RRB conducted a climate change adaptation assessment for the 

headquarters building using a URS Corporation, an AECOM company, proprietary tool (the Adapting to 

Climate Change Application or ACCA Tool). The assessment enabled RRB to identify short-, mediumand Jong-term adaptation strategies to address anticipated impacts on the bui !ding from increases in 

temperature extremes and storminess. RRB is using this assessment to assist in prioritizing actions related 

to building renovations. RRB provided public access to the RRB Climate Change Adaptation Plan on its 

website; to date RRB has not received public comments with respect to the Plan. 

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Executive Summary- RRB FY2016 SSPP 

Goal JO- Challenges 

Recommended actions from the ACCA Tool assessment include large-scale capital improvement projects. 

As previously stated, RRB is limited in its ability to implement projects over $50,000. 

Goal JO- Lessons Learned 

RRB programs that address water and energy conservation at the RRB headquarters not only help RRB 

meet its reduction goals, but also improve RRB's resilience in meeting future challenges posed by 

anticipated climate change in the Chicago area. As RRB climate change planning has shown, increased 

extremes in temperature and storminess, as well as longer periods of drought, are expected to impact the 

Chicago area. By reducing water and energy consumption, RRB will more likely be able to meet 

increased heating and cooling demands with existing systems, and reduce RRB's vulnerability to regional 

drought and the resulting higher water prices. 

Goal J 0 - Planned Actions 

The RRB will work with the GSA to incorporate sustainable design principles into the Lipinski Building 

Modernization design that address and further RRB's energy efficiency and intensity, water use efficiency 

and management, and climate change resilience goals. 

4. PROGRESS ON ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES 

Where applicable, RRB's progress on administration priorities is included in Section 3 above. 

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