The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the JJ Pickle & Homer Thornberry Federal Building for reducing its environmental impacts as part of the Federal Green Challenge (FGC).
The building retrofitted several systems, including the lighting, HVAC, and building automation systems, which resulted in significant energy savings. Changes to water fixtures and irrigation systems saved a total of nearly $3,900 per year in water bills. The building also vastly increased its municipal solid waste recycling, from 27.6 tons in 2013 to 79.19 tons in 2014.
The FGC allows federal offices or facilities to pledge participation in reducing the federal government's environmental impact and recognizes outstanding efforts that go beyond regulatory compliance. Agencies strive for annual improvements in selected target areas (Energy, Waste, Electronics, Purchasing, Water and Transportation) and report their improvements to EPA, demonstrating the financial and environmental benefits of their actions.
