The Army is the first department in the Federal government to apply the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework for sustainability reporting in an effort to respond President Obama’s executive order to reduce the government’s energy consumption and emissions.
The Army is the first department in the Federal government to apply the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework for sustainability reporting in an effort to respond President Obama’s executive order to reduce the government’s energy consumption and emissions.
Obama issued Executive Order 13514 (Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance) in October 2009 requiring federal agencies to develop sustainability targets for 2020 that include reducing petroleum use, improving water efficiency, and increasing waste diversion and recycling.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) produces the most widely used standard for sustainability reporting, which allows organizations to measure, track, and improve their performance on specific issues. GRI was formed by the United States based non-profits Ceres and Tellus Institute, with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1997.
The Army’s efforts are detailed in its just-released third annual sustainability report. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Katherine Hammack said the report will serve as a road map to relate ongoing and new sustainability efforts.
The report shows that 30 Army installations have sustainability plans in place, a 42.9 percent increase when compared to 21 installations at end of fiscal 2008.
In addition, the Army reduced hazardous waste disposal by 28.4 percent in 2009 (the most recent year for which stats have been compiled) compared to calendar year 2008. The recycling rate for solid waste and construction demolition debris increased from 58 percent in fiscal 2008 to 60 percent in 2009.
New environmental enforcement actions were reduced by 42.3 percent with only 75 new actions received in fiscal 2009 as compared to 130 new actions the year before.
The number of acres protected by the Army compatible use buffer partnerships increased by 120,607; a 25.3 percent increase from fiscal 2008.
The Army also built 127 new Child Development Centers and 23 new Youth Centers between fiscal 2008 - 2009 in support of soldier and family quality of life.
“Our plan is to appropriately manage our natural resources with a goal of net zero to ensure success of our primary mission of securing, protecting, and defending this Nation, while reducing costs and sustaining or increasing overall performance,” Hammack said.
Bart King is a PR consultant and principal at Cleantech Communications.
Published Jan 6, 2012 12pm EST / 9am PST / 5pm GMT / 6pm CET
Bart King is the founder and principal at New Growth Communications. He specializes in helping sustainability leaders develop thought leadership content and strategy