The Laboratory's focal point for sustainability planning and activities is Sustainable NREL. The Laboratory's goal is to institutionalize sustainability and make NREL a global model for sustainability.

NREL, as the preeminent laboratory in the world for research and development in all aspects of clean energy and energy efficiency, is working to demonstrate sustainable practices in all its operations. "I am convinced that our mission objectives are both enabled and enhanced by our leadership in sustainability," NREL's director Dan Arvizu told NREL staff.

A sustainable organization manages:

• Economic Viability — efficient operations, prudent investments, and maximum value
• Environmental Stewardship — minimal resource use, minimal waste/pollution, natural processes, renewable resources, and restoration
• Public Responsibility — good neighbor, safe working environment, and education

NREL has made considerable progress toward institutionalizing sustainability in all its operations and the way it does business. Highlights include—implementation of on site RE projects, meeting and exceeding greenhouse gas emission goals, reduced energy and water use, laboratory buildings that win awards for sustainability and energy efficiency, an Environmental, Safety & Health program that fully integrates sustainability, a green purchasing and recycling program, alternative-fueled NREL vehicles, renewable energy certificate purchases that offset the Laboratory environmental footprint, etc. But more can be done, and NREL is working toward more efficiency through integration of these activities. At NREL, we "walk the talk" when it comes to promoting a sustainable environment in our own workplace.

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