Energy lab reduces impact on environment. (News).(the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's employees are following the Laboratory's Sustainable NREL program)

GOLDEN, CO--Employees at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are walking the talk by reducing their impact on the environment at work through the Laboratory's Sustainable NREL program.

"Our mission has always focused on a sustainable energy future for our nation and the world," said Bob Westby, leader of the Sustainable NREL program. "Sustainability at NREL, in the sense of an organization and its operations, is the simultaneous and balanced pursuit of economic viability, environmental stewardship, and public responsibility over the long-term through appropriate investment decisions and operating practices."

NREL is committed to, among other things, reducing energy use in its building operations, designing energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive new buildings, cutting water consumption, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the impact of local NREL travel on the environment, using less fossil-based fuel for local operations, and creating less waste by reducing, reusing, and recycling materials for laboratory operations.

During the past year, Sustainable NREL made progress toward sustainability by:

* Undertaking an initiative to develop a 25-year site development plan, which will balance ...