The prevailing misconception toward the green-oriented world is that sustainable practices are something of an ideological luxury. Organizations are quickly coming to realize, however, just how wayward that myth is. The U.S. Postal Service, for example, saved $52+ million in 2012 alone with green initiatives. CEO of the USPS, Megan Brennan, SF ’03, says that the economic success of those efforts illustrates that sustainability can be as much a financial boon as an environmental benefit when tackled strategically.
With a 25% decline in mail volume over the last decade or so, the USPS has seen a severe cut in revenue. Even the federal government has gone over to e-commerce. To make up the shortfall, the postal service has been aggressive at cutting costs—and many of those savings have been driven by comprehensive facility energy projects.