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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction

Pie chart showing the carbon dioxide emissions breakdown at NREL - electricity 76%, international air travel emissions 1%, domestic air travel emissions 6%, commuter vehicle emissions 6%, natural gas 11%.

Quantifying the CO2 footprint helps NREL measure its progress toward achieving carbon neutrality.


Bar graph showing projected reductions to meet Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leaders Program Goal. Greenhouse gas reductions for: fiscal year 2005, 14,500 tons (85%); fiscal year 2006, 3,000 tons (20%); fiscal year 2007, 4,000 tons (25%); fiscal year 2008, 4,000 tons (25%); fiscal year 2009, 2,000 tons (15%).

The NREL goal through the Environmental Protection Agency Climate Leaders Program is to reduce its total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 75% from 2005 to 2009.

This page highlights NREL's efforts to assess its environmental footprint and reduce the laboratory's greenhouse gas emissions. NREL has achieved "carbon neutrality" since 2006.

Environmental Footprint

Beginning in FY 2003, NREL conducted a life-cycle assessment of its energy use and other activities that generate carbon dioxide (CO2) and developed its CO2 footprint.

This CO2 footprint helps quantify the environmental consequences of the laboratory's total operation in terms of a functional CO2 common denominator. The use of such a universal metric allows the laboratory to make investment decisions; measure progress towards achieving carbon neutrality; benchmark performance against goals and other similar institutions; and in general, take responsibility for its actions.

Reducing Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions

NREL pledged through the EPA Climate Leaders Program to reduce its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 75% from 2005 to 2009.

To meet this goal and to achieve annual "carbon neutrality," NREL has made a commitment to implement cost-effective energy retrofits; substantially increase its on-site renewable energy projects; require all new construction to achieve at least a LEED® Gold rating; and continue its purchase of renewable energy certificates to totally offset the laboratory's carbon footprint.