Steve Truebner, State Government Solutions, Johnson Controls

In 1932 Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis branded state governments the "laboratories of democracy" in their ability to employ innovative solutions to menacing state challenges. Justice Brandeis would have commended the State of Utah's courageous experiment in mandating the four-day work week in an effort to reduce energy consumption.

States across the country face daunting challenges in delivering suitable services for growing entitlement programs, with dwindling state revenue with which to do so. Additionally, the initiative to reduce carbon emissions through smart economic and environmental practices – best demonstrated at the recent Western Governors Association meeting – is an ongoing trial of state resource management.

This latest measure, led by Governor Jon Huntsman of Utah, has been called extreme by some, but it is a perfect instance of state government serving as a laboratory of democracy and leading by example.

By shifting to a four-day work week, composed of 10-hour days, and closing all non-essential buildings every Friday, the State of Utah and its employees will both conserve energy and save money. According to the state, anticipated annual savings would be approximately three million dollars.

Best of all, state residents shouldn’t notice a big difference in operations. Only those agencies providing critical services, such as public safety and health services will remain open. It is Gov. Huntsman's intention that the state's website will be able to manage any other requests that fall on a Friday.

"We tend to think of state government services circa the 1960s or the 1970s. We forget that, in today's world, at least in our state, we have 800 services that are available online." says Governor Huntsman. "That is, they can access a lot of services right from their home."

Other states across the country are also leading by example in the effort to build high performance or green buildings, reduce emissions and create a more sustainable work environment. The use of compact florescent lighting, daylighting techniques, rain water capture systems and the integration of 21st century technology that measures, manages and reports on the energy savings of state buildings are all real examples of energy efficiency measures currently executed by state governments.

There is no doubt that unforeseen challenges will arise as other states consider this new work schedule. Changing daycare schedules, recreational vehicle usage, fatigue from the longer work days, or just obsessively checking emails on your day off are all issues that will be addressed. But that is the nature of an experiment and the risk that goes with leadership. 

We should applaud state leaders for their willingness to be more efficient, for leveraging the power of the Internet, and for their stewardship of the environment. Enjoy the long weekend, State of Utah – you've earned it.

Based in Littleton, Colorado, Steve Truebner works in State Government Solutions for Johnson Controls, Inc.-Day Work Week Pays in Energy Savings

http://yourenergyforum.com/blog/2008/07/fourday_work_week_pays_in_ener.html