As a trust instrumentality of the United States, the Smithsonian is committed to the goals which Executive Order 13693 set for federal agencies, and is focused on making improvements in environmental, energy, and economic performance. As stated in the current Smithsonian Strategic Plan, one of the four grand challenges we have undertaken is "Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet." The goals established by the Executive Order complement this grand challenge and underscore the Smithsonian's mission and values. This 2016 Smithsonian Institution Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan reports sustainability successes and challenges of the past year. It describes the Smithsonian today. More importantly, it identifies the sustainability strategies we will pursue in the year ahead, how we will measure progress, and the milestones we intend to reach. It is a map the Smithsonian can follow towards a sustainable future.