WASHINGTON, D.C. — Many federal program managers say their agencies are giving high priority to green issues, and even more take green steps at home, according to a recent survey. But actual implementation of green initiatives at the office is a different story.
The State of Green Government (
PDF), by the Government Business Council, looks at the opinions and actions of 197 federal managers. Greening government was identified as a top federal initiative by 39 percent of respondents, putting it behind only human capital and financial management in importance. Also, 45 percent said the priority their agencies give to green practices has increased in the last year, and only 4 percent said it's decreased.
The main challenges to actually putting practices in place, though, are a lack of clear policies, dedicated management, oversight and employee awareness, all issues identified by almost half of those surveyed. Additionally, 37 percent said they are hampered by funding, and only 23 percent have specific people in charge of green practices.
Some simple steps are quite common at federal agencies; 89 percent of managers say their agencies recycle paper and 77 percent use power-saving office equipment. However, only between 20 and 30 percent have access to hybrid-electric vehicles, have waste reduction plans, set goals for purchasing environmentally-friendly services, use motion-activated lights or provide information on what, how and where to recycle.
Half of managers say green initiatives are motivated by outside pressure and criticism, and almost half also say their agencies feel it's the government's responsibility to demonstrate environmentally-friendly practices. Less than 25 percent say they're motivated by cost savings.
Expanding on the agencies' commitments to going green, more than 75 percent of managers say that at home they use low-watt bulbs, recycle and conserve electricity and energy from heating and air conditioning. Sixty-six percent say it's easier to be green at home than work because they have more control over their resources and find it easier to recycle.
The
Government Business Council is the marketing research arm of Government Executive magazine.
