Waste Reduction
Near-Zero Waste — working to eliminate the laboratory's waste stream — is NREL's goal for the laboratory. NREL's non-recycled solid waste has decreased and recycled materials have increased over the last five years. NREL received LEED points for waste reduction in the construction of its Science and Technology Facility.
NREL is implementing activities to fulfill E.O. 13423 requiring that the laboratory reduce the quantity of toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials acquired, used, or disposed of by the laboratory; increase diversion of solid waste as appropriate; and maintain cost-effective waste prevention and recycling programs.
NREL's activities to reduce, reuse, recycle, and re-buy are essential to fulfill the federal government's goals.
Reduce
Activities intended to reduce material use include:
Replacing paper drafts with electronic files
Installing duplex modules on all network printers, which default to the double-sided printing option
Reusing cardboard boxes, packing peanuts, plastic containers, and drums
Sharing chemicals and redistributing extra chemicals through a Chemical Management System.
Reuse
NREL's Reusable Office Supply Center is designed to encourage staff members to take any used office supplies they need and to drop off any reusable items.
Recycling
Recycling efforts at NREL include a recycling station in each building for common office materials such as: mixed office paper, commingled glass, plastic, aluminum cans, corrugated cardboard, batteries, and printer toner cartridges. Scrap metal, computer monitors, and compact fluorescent light bulbs are also recycled.
Re-buy
NREL has implemented multiple green purchasing activities. NREL purchases office supplies through an online catalog featuring environmentally preferable (recycled content) products. Green purchasing was integral to NREL's decision to create an electronic purchase card system. The system tracks metrics on NREL-produced greenhouse gases and encourages staff to purchase green products whenever possible.
