Add back the disagree button!
Add back the disagree button!
Browse Ideas with tag 'green':
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled170 votes
This idea is active. -
I agree
Voting is Disabled
91 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Turn off non-essential computers at night
Why does a building with 1000's of computers need to leave them on overnight EVERY. NIGHT. This is what i experience at work. This isn't just a waste of money, it's a massive drain on our resources. And no, the computers don't automatically go into hibernation mode, they drop down to idle and just sit up with a screensaver. Maybe the monitor is turned off because an employee is conscious of the waste of power, but ...more »
9 comments for Idea: Turn off non-essential computers at nightWhy does a building with 1000's of computers need to leave them on overnight EVERY. NIGHT. This is what i experience at work.
This isn't just a waste of money, it's a massive drain on our resources. And no, the computers don't automatically go into hibernation mode, they drop down to idle and just sit up with a screensaver. Maybe the monitor is turned off because an employee is conscious of the waste of power, but still we're required to leave our computers on 24/7.
Scheduled updates could occur at the same time every night and auto-shutdown if it's not in use. This isn't exactly a huge burden. Make it 3-4 hours after the standard end-of-business, and only auto-shutdown computers that aren't logged into.
Millions of taxpayer dollars and the environment will thank us
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
90 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »Add solar power to military and federal buildings!
10 comments for Idea: Add solar power to military and federal buildings!My building in the military had one that powered the HVAC and the hot water. We were always very comfortable and it was not at the expense of taxpayers beyond installation. What made this good was that we were a 24/7 function. We need more of these where it pays to add them and they should be made in America!
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
84 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Wind Turbine and Solar Panels - Green Energy for Feds Buildings
Wind turbine and solar power plant for Government offices owns by Government agencies and / or GSA and contracted out to Government agencies. This can also be applied to Military and other general buildings. The implementation of Solar Panels and or Wind Turbine could be of benefits to the organization, the installation would be an example of future enterprise or local business to the area, military, and other federal ...more »
6 comments for Idea: Wind Turbine and Solar Panels - Green Energy for Feds BuildingsWind turbine and solar power plant for Government offices owns by Government agencies and / or GSA and contracted out to Government agencies. This can also be applied to Military and other general buildings.
The implementation of Solar Panels and or Wind Turbine could be of benefits to the organization, the installation would be an example of future enterprise or local business to the area, military, and other federal buildings.
The Gov office could set the example by assign a pilot program especially to a NEW CONTRUCTION offices and or business. This pilot can be set and studies can be used to compare conventional usage of energy versus new Wind Turbine and / or Solar Panel.
I have seemed the Corp of Engineer along with the local agency organization conducting and planning 2 or 3 years ago having the implementation of outdated R22 refrigerant (this Freon is being banded by the EPA effective 2008) versus Eco-Friendly R410a.
Additionally:
Military building can benefit from this in the long run instead of warhead expenses; by diverting some of the tomahawk and other missiles strategy cost to this Solar and Wind Turbine energy. It’ll pay back.
See other ideas.
http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Equipment-CONSOLIDATION-and-ReUTILIZATION/123337-13060
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
72 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Make Telework Mandatory for eligible positions
14 comments for Idea: Make Telework Mandatory for eligible positions1. Saves energy in America.
2. Saves roads / extends their life
3. Less energy consumed in office space
4. Focus for projects
5. Improved morale
6. More agile workforce able to work offsite during contingencies
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
63 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Push (REEL) Mowers for Inmates
A solution to save on fuel costs would be for Institutions to use push mowers instead of gasoline operated mowers. Not only does the government save money for fuel and maintenancer, but inmates are afforded health benefits by pushing the mowers, maintaining their physical fitness. Additionally, the environmental impact is aided in less carbon emisions. The cost of a gas powered mower is around 3 to 4 times what a manual ...more »
11 comments for Idea: Push (REEL) Mowers for InmatesA solution to save on fuel costs would be for Institutions to use push mowers instead of gasoline operated mowers. Not only does the government save money for fuel and maintenancer, but inmates are afforded health benefits by pushing the mowers, maintaining their physical fitness. Additionally, the environmental impact is aided in less carbon emisions. The cost of a gas powered mower is around 3 to 4 times what a manual push mower would cost. Also, the maintenance for a manual push mower is 10% of maintaining a gas powered mower.
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
58 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Get rid of $1 bill, just have coins, SAVE BILLIONS, $5.5 of them
9 comments for Idea: Get rid of $1 bill, just have coins, SAVE BILLIONS, $5.5 of themThe $1 bill cost more than a dollar to produce. It is time we replace it with coins like they have done in Europe. They last longer and are cheaper to make.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
54 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »Keep this website open year round
1 comment for Idea: Keep this website open year roundKeep this website open and collect ideas routinely.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
50 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »Invest in Green Technologies
2 comments for Idea: Invest in Green TechnologiesWe're being passed by other countries in wind, solar, and battery technology among others. We're funding some research in these technologies, but at a level that shows it isn't a priority. Funding innovation needs to be a priority. Those with the patents and production lines for green technologies will have clear advantages as energy prices increase.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
49 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Eliminate Government Vehicle for permanent Domicile-to-Duty
Eliminate Government Vehicle for permanent Domicile-to-Duty (D2D) to Supervisor or high top management (Directors, Deputies, Chiefs, Supervisory-in-charges, or other in position that can be justified via the ranking and privilege hierarchy) 6 or 8 years ago all GS13-GS15 and some Senior Level Management in the SES executive position used to ride its own POV back and forth to work. Now every Supervisor Agent, Director, ...more »
4 comments for Idea: Eliminate Government Vehicle for permanent Domicile-to-DutyEliminate Government Vehicle for permanent Domicile-to-Duty (D2D) to Supervisor or high top management (Directors, Deputies, Chiefs, Supervisory-in-charges, or other in position that can be justified via the ranking and privilege hierarchy)
6 or 8 years ago all GS13-GS15 and some Senior Level Management in the SES executive position used to ride its own POV back and forth to work. Now every Supervisor Agent, Director, or Deputy in Charge in all Customs and Patrol Offices use Unmark Government unit (or GOV Vehicle) to go home and work everyday.
The cost per week is roughly (25 gallon tank x $3.00 = 75.00 assuming the gas would be or stay at 3 bucks, so this is a full tank of gas. Now, 75.00 x 52 weeks is = $3,900.00 for a year in GAS ONLY)
This expense along with the service and maintenance can run or add to about $6,000.00 (just adding the maintenance cost of $2,100, which is an average per year)
This would be an approximation expense of a single -user driving a Government vehicle to Domicile-to-Duty. THIS IS NOT taking in consideration the ACTUAL COST of the UNIT (how much a unit would cost $35,000 plain vanilla without any add-ons?), some of these units are 4-wheeled Trucks or suburban, typically a 15-20 miles per gallon vehicles, or new 4 doors V6 Sedans.
Now if you add all of the Domicile-to-Duty USERS for each Area. Let said 100 (just to round it up on a comfort zone), I would recommend for the agency to do an assessment / survey and to determine how many D2D users are in the office). This is 100 x $6,000 = $600,000 and this is not taking in consideration the Actual Cost of the vehicle, WOULD the vehicle needed for the mission or for D2D?
Now this figure could be as much as double if the personnel using the GOV Vehicles for longer trips or maybe an hour one way driving home back and forth (it could be as twice or as 3 time this cost.) The estimation would be a saving of 1.2 to 1.8 Million of dollar per year on ONLY 100 users driving Gov back and forth as domicile-to-duty.
Remember all Top Management, Directors, Deputies and Station-in-Charges officers can delegate their duties, there is always someone, especially at the 24/7/365 sites that are working and can conduct business for the office and can use the duty vehicle at the time if needed for official business.
Remember they all making the extra 25% increase payment and other incentive. We need to do a research or agency survey and find out who has a vehicle to take home, start cutting back and you’d see how much the Gov can save (At least a million per year)
With all due respect this Top Management / Directors should set the example to other on energy saving and cost effective reduction to the organization outfit, the Department of Homeland Security and the US Government programs.
See other ideas.
http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Wind-turbine-and-Solar-Panels/122931-13060
http://governmentreform.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Equipment-CONSOLIDATION-and-ReUTILIZATION/123337-13060
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
49 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Get rid of the paperwork
5 comments for Idea: Get rid of the paperworkScan current stored documents into computers and make standard OPM/Government forms electronic. Eliminate millions, maybe billions in paper waste and storage fees every year. This covers all branches and departments.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
48 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Monitors - Extend life for replacements - Saves 1 Billion USD!
Intro: Every federal employee loves when the IT guys says " you are getting a new computer" - which in many agencies means a laptop. This happens every three years and it is time. Three years of use at 40 hours a week and newer programs on dated technology are a problem - but why the new monitor? I have seen the property book and what they cost and been involved in "excessing" the old ones that all work fine. Do ...more »
12 comments for Idea: Monitors - Extend life for replacements - Saves 1 Billion USD!Intro: Every federal employee loves when the IT guys says " you are getting a new computer" - which in many agencies means a laptop. This happens every three years and it is time. Three years of use at 40 hours a week and newer programs on dated technology are a problem - but why the new monitor? I have seen the property book and what they cost and been involved in "excessing" the old ones that all work fine. Do you replace yours at home every three years?
My Suggestion: Change the lifecycle from 3 to five years for flat screen monitors. From years 0 to 3 they can be supported under the help desk agreements or warranties and from 3 to 5 years if they have a problem they are replaced.
2.15 million Federal works x $175 per monitor (I am low balling here) = $376,250,000 every three years or $125,416,667 per year. If it was 5 years it would be $75,250,000 per year and a savings of $50,166,667 per year! Over 20 years the savings is $1,003,333,340 - that is over a BILLION dollars for such a simple change.
Impact: None. All federal employees still have a monitor. No loss in services!
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
42 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Change default font to Century Gothic for 30% ink savings
6 comments for Idea: Change default font to Century Gothic for 30% ink savingsChange all default typeset to Century Gothic, which saves 30% more ink than Arial. This would result in millions of dollars in savings for the government, with a very simple change.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
41 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »Made in the U.S.A.
7 comments for Idea: Made in the U.S.A.For decades we have focused on free trade. This is not a bad thing but Americans must hear from the top that buying American is a good thing to do. If we buy more then prices go down.
I looked at the American Living line in JC Penney and it is made in the usual suspects. They charge more and you would think it would be AMERICAN made!
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
38 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »A Trillion Dollar waste - WELFARE,section8 ,low income housing
http://www.hud.gov/complaints/fraud_waste.cfm -section 8 and low income housing encourages dependency and complacent behavior. Why work when you can get a house for practically free and keep collecting entitlements. ILLLEGAL squatting and unauthrized people live with a legal tenet often and this is a criminal offense since changes in family size and income are required to be reported. the section 8 system and low income ...more »
5 comments for Idea: A Trillion Dollar waste - WELFARE,section8 ,low income housinghttp://www.hud.gov/complaints/fraud_waste.cfm -section 8 and low income housing encourages dependency and complacent behavior. Why work when you can get a house for practically free and keep collecting entitlements. ILLLEGAL squatting and unauthrized people live with a legal tenet often and this is a criminal offense since changes in family size and income are required to be reported. the section 8 system and low income housing system is a complete failure which has drained the US economy of trillions of dollars and maintained tenets in social and financial bondage. there is no incentive to leave section 8 or low income housing. why work or attend college when you can get housing for free or low cost. This encouranges drug abuse and out of wedlock births and tenet abuse by housing squatters and unauthorized people living in the units. section 8 and low income housing also reduce local taxpayers home values and create blighted neighborhoods with loud music and cars with dark windows and dirty messy yards often with dirt as a yard.. SECTION 8 and LOW INCOME HOUSING TENETS NEED TIME LIMITS of 1 to 3 years then they must be evicted from the units since they are living on free enititlements and have no incentive to Raise themselves out of the free benefits. WAKE UP AMERICA! WE ARE TRILLIONS IN DEBT and giving away FREE BENEFITS . remember that all secion 8 and low income housing authoritys are TAX FREE and you pay the costs of educating the people and their rents are susidized and food and insurance are subsidized and paid for. its like the midlle and upper class is paying triple to live, we all have to pay for everyone else.. its not fair..http://www.hud.gov/complaints/fraud_waste.cfm
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
37 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Paperless CFC Contributions
2 comments for Idea: Paperless CFC ContributionsMake it mandatory that all pay systems (DFAS, NFC) offer the ability to donate to the CFC campaign through Employee Express, Employee Personal Page, etc. This would save money and hours of volunteer and recordkeeping time -- allowing us keep costs down in this worthwhile, collaborative annual effort. Make it easier to contribute and perhaps more federal workers would participate!
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
36 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Scanning instead of shipping
3 comments for Idea: Scanning instead of shippingMSHA field offices on a daily basis mail reports into district offices and could save considerable shipping money and trees by purchasing adequate scanners to scan reports in. Then reports could be emailed or put onto a shared drive. Many of the reports are several hundred pages long and the pages come from multiple sources so a PDF file would not work easily for this.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
36 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Reward to Employees for Money Saving Ideas
4 comments for Idea: Reward to Employees for Money Saving IdeasI have heard of this in the military but the Federal Gov't should also do this - rewards for good ideas.
If it saves money then a reward for the idea is what capitalism is all about!
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
36 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »Eliminate positions that can be automated (timekeeper etc)
1 comment for Idea: Eliminate positions that can be automated (timekeeper etc)Many positions can be automated. Examples such as the timekeeper or a multiple security guards. Add man traps and other features. If the private sector is doing it to be more efficient so should the govt!
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
31 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Green Roofs
6 comments for Idea: Green RoofsInstall green roofs, covered with soil and grass [or other suitable kinds of plants, typically smaller than trees], to extend roof life, reduce heating and cooling costs, and provide wildlife habitats, on as many federal buildings as practical.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
30 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »Highspeed rail in the Northeast - Maglev from D.C. to NYC
The high speed rail projects that were proposed were in the wrong states. We need to redirect those funds to a maglev from Washington D.C to New York City. We need to connect our leadership capital with our financial capital. Agencies would be able tl locate up the corridor and have cheaper travel. Since this will take a load off roads then it can be built with government funds and leased to a commercial operator ...more »
13 comments for Idea: Highspeed rail in the Northeast - Maglev from D.C. to NYCThe high speed rail projects that were proposed were in the wrong states. We need to redirect those funds to a maglev from Washington D.C to New York City. We need to connect our leadership capital with our financial capital. Agencies would be able tl locate up the corridor and have cheaper travel. Since this will take a load off roads then it can be built with government funds and leased to a commercial operator to use and maintain and earn a profit. Since the infrastructure is leased the deal must place caps on rate increases - they must be based on increasing cost and not increasing profitability.
This would help Amtrak not need govt funds and you could get from DC to New York in 1 hour. The existing Accela rail lines in the corridor can be worked with the local commuter rails that are operated by Amtrak so that the additional tracks planned won't need to be added!
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
29 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »Active Duty retirement at 20 year no matter your age?
11 comments for Idea: Active Duty retirement at 20 year no matter your age?Currently a 20 year military vet that joined at 18 and retires at 38 gets a retirement immediately. I am military so I understand this isn't popular but that means if they live the life expectancy they get this for 40+ years!
This is not true for the reserves so the system needs to be more balanced.
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
26 votes
This idea is active.Ideas to Make Other Parts of Government More Efficient and Effective »Greater Good for All Ideas
I suggest not just working on the SAVE idea that won, or a few of them. Work on many of the other ideas that didn't win but are just as valid to many of us. I see a lot of ideas in this ideascale.com that are very similar to what I saw in the SAVE program. Why are we reinventing the wheel? Combine all the like Save and ideascale.com ideas and try to make a common thread out of them for the greater good. There were ...more »
4 comments for Idea: Greater Good for All IdeasI suggest not just working on the SAVE idea that won, or a few of them. Work on many of the other ideas that didn't win but are just as valid to many of us. I see a lot of ideas in this ideascale.com that are very similar to what I saw in the SAVE program. Why are we reinventing the wheel? Combine all the like Save and ideascale.com ideas and try to make a common thread out of them for the greater good. There were a lot of travel ideas, green energy saving ideas, duplication of software and process ideas that maybe weren't stated exactly the same but had the same basic premise.
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
25 votes
This idea is active.Increasing Trade, Exports, and Overall Competitiveness »ELIMINATE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
I propose to eliminate any and all activities, positions, etc., that fall under the umbrella of Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action is an atiquated and racist program that recruits, hires, and promotes according to race, sexual preference, gender, etc. The government is in dire need of placing the right people in the right positions by evaluating and basing decisions on qualifications and performance. This will greatly ...more »
3 comments for Idea: ELIMINATE AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONI propose to eliminate any and all activities, positions, etc., that fall under the umbrella of Affirmative Action. Affirmative Action is an atiquated and racist program that recruits, hires, and promotes according to race, sexual preference, gender, etc. The government is in dire need of placing the right people in the right positions by evaluating and basing decisions on qualifications and performance. This will greatly increase productivity, eliminate wasteful spending in MANY areas, and help to eliminate racism.
« less full details »
-
I agree
Voting is Disabled
24 votes
This idea is active.