Our Mission
To guide and support state agencies in developing and implementing effective energy management strategies to improve state facilities’ overall energy performance
The work of the State Energy Management (SEM) Office includes:
- Identifying potential energy saving opportunities by procuring energy for the state in the most cost effective manner under the state procurement laws
- Managing and reporting energy usage/cost data related to the operations of state-owned and leased buildings
- Providing energy related technical assistance, outreach, education, and training for agencies and personnel
- Leveraging partnerships with numerous energy efficiency stake holders including state agencies, contractors, and utility companies
- Assisting state agencies with identifying, planning and implementing energy efficiency projects
- Developing the Annual State Energy Report and the Annual State Energy Conservation Plan with inputs from the Agencies’ Annual Conservation Plans and utility data
History of the SEM Office
Since 2004, New Hampshire has been working to improve energy usage in state buildings. Executive Order 2004-7 (2004) authorized a committee to develop an energy reduction goal and plan, a procedure for conducting audits of facilities, new energy efficiency standards for new construction, and a procedure for commissioning new facilities that ensures the adoption of energy-efficient design specifications and equipment operations.
In 2005, Governor John Lynch issued Executive Order 2005-4, which adopted the EPA’s Energy Star Challenge and set a goal of reducing energy use in state buildings by 10%. In order to measure progress toward reaching this goal, the Enterprise Energy Management System (EEMS database) was established that same year to collect energy use and cost data for state-owned and occupied buildings. Every month, agency staff record energy cost and use data in the EEMS. Over time, statewide progress in reducing energy is measured and analyzed. In addition to establishing the EEMS, the position of State Energy Manager was created. (Continue reading.)