Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Senate Majority Caucus

In April 2011, the Hawaii State Senate was recognized by Gov. Neil Abercrombie for its efforts to reduce energy use and support green business practice.

Through the Paperless Initiative, the Senate has significantly reduced the Senate’s paper usage by 80 percent since the program was put in place in 2008.

The Senate has also taken further efforts to implement energy conservation and recycling measures at the State Capitol through the development of a Green Office Working Group.

The Senate is continuing its efforts towards greater green practices by participating in the energy saving performance contract project known as “Hawaii iConserve Energy Initiative,” coordinated by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

The initiative’s goal is to improve energy efficiency in the State office buildings in the State Capitol District by implementing and supporting energy-saving behaviors. The initiative is expected to reduce the total energy consumption in the State Capitol and nine other State buildings by thirty percent, projecting an annually savings of more than $3.5 million for the State.

DAGS and Noresco held informational workshops at the State Capitol in June, during which State Capitol building occupants had the opportunity to learn more about iConserve and the Energy Conservation Through Behavior Change Methodology.

At the workshop, individuals were requested to follow four simple steps to help in the overall reduction of energy usage and promote energy savings.

The steps included:
* Turning off lights when not in use
* Shutting down or “hibernating” computers when not in use
* Unplugging personal appliance when not in use
* Closing office doors

— Find out more:
www.hawaiisenatemajority.com