The memo – M-10-09 – further called on agencies to improve the energy and water efficiency of federal facilities.
It said thousands of proposals called for saving energy by taking common-sense actions such as turning off lights, switching to motion sensors, turning off computers or making sure that they are on standby at night, and minimizing the unnecessary use of air conditioning.
Agencies and departments should identify internal policies that serve as disincentives to efficiency – such as requiring all employees to leave computers on every night, to allow for software updates – as they have already been asked to do as part of their Strategic Sustainability and Performance Plans, required by OMB.
Several employees suggested that the government use more energy-efficient vehicles such as hybrids or smaller vehicles and even golf carts.
Noting existing statutes and executive orders that already require 75 percent of federal agency vehicle purchases to be alternative fuel vehicles, OMB called on agencies examine their current vehicle fleets to identify opportunities to transition to appropriate vehicles.
As part of their review, agencies should document formal and informal policies concerning the use of SUVs and larger vehicles and to provide a justification for why these kinds of cars are necessary, if they are being used, OMB said.
It said several employees also suggested the creation of a government-wide site modeled after "Craig’s List."
This model exists on a government-wide basis for Property Act excess, and the concept should be used within individual departments and offices as well, the memo said.