Natural resources are at the center of the climate change issue, both because they may be affected by climate change, and because natural resources play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in producing renewable energy. A number of activities are being undertaken by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in response to climate change and the need to increase development of renewable energy sources. Some activities are already underway and others that are proposed involve DNR-managed forestlands, agricultural lands, aquatic lands, and geology. These activities include sustainable forest management, forest health, community and urban forestry, and wind power, among others.
New December 2008: Forest Sector Workgroup Recommendations
Climate Change Update DNR Engineering & General Services Division
Energy and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases
Facilities
Completed construction of the multi-agency State Light Industrial Park (Tumwater Compound) to a LEED Silver Standard, the green building rating standard of the United States Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The Silver Standard is now required of all new buildings greater than 5000 sq ft. (
RCW 39.35D).
Initiated Energy Audits of all DNR administrative buildings. We use these audits in developing maintenance and capital projects. We have completed audits on two region offices. Two more audits will be completed in the next two years.
Equipment Services (motor pool)
- Clean Fuel Vehicles (RCW 43.19.637)
- We have 92 Flex fuel Vehicles out of approximately 800 passenger vehicles, or 11.5%.
- We are purchasing 60 flex fuel vehicles out of an order of 60 vehicles in the 2008 bulk order. There will be further ’08 orders.
- DNR has six hybrid vehicles and one all-electric building maintenance vehicle. We will purchase four or five additional Hybrids this year.
We provide bi-annual reports to the legislature on bio-diesel use.
- From October 2006 to Sept 2007, we used 2,400 gallons of bio-diesel out of 100,704 gallons total diesel, or about 2.5%.
- Our agency goal is to reduce petroleum use by 10% over last year, by taking the following steps:
- Extend life of oil changes
- Use of more efficient vehicles
- Use of clean fuel vehicles
- Use of bio-diesel