The State of California is a nationwide leader in green building initiatives and operates as a model of energy efficiency, particularly at the

government level. A recent Green Progress Report released by California's Department of General Servi ces (DGS) shows the extent to which the state has reduced energy consumption in new and existing buildings. In a mandate set forth by the Governor's Green Buildin g Executive Order, state agencies are committed to a 20 percent decrease in ener gy usage by 2015. According to the report, 17 of the state's newly constructed or renovated building s adhere to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment al Design (LEED) New Construction standards, while approximately 200 more are pu rsuing the LEED-NC certification. LEED-NC designated buildings have shown to red uce water usage by 20 to 40 percent below California's minimum energy code provisi ons, while diverting more than 75 percent of construction waste away from landfi lls. Around the state, 18 existing structures have received Existing Building LEED ce rtifications, including two structures that have achieved Platinum level designa tions, which is the highest level of energy efficiency in the LEED system. Anoth er 11 realized Gold level recognition, the second highest level of energy effici ency. To achieve these ratings, the DGS has implemented comprehensive building o perations and maintenance procedures designed to reduce water use, cut back on w aste, and utilize the buildings' systems as efficiently as possible. In addition, California has established third-party agreements to supply solar p ower to 30 different state-owned sites, including California State University ca mpuses. The state is investigating a variety of other third-party renewable ener gy purchase agreements, including for solar-thermal, fuel cells, wind, and cogen eration plants that recycle lost heat from power-generating facilities.