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Energy
The
NIH is committed to using natural resources responsibly and that includes
our use of energy. As the largest user of energy in Montgomery County,
we play an important leadership role in energy conservation and the use
of alternative and renewable energy sources. Our energy use is primarily
in the forms of natural gas and electricity to operate and heat and cool
our facilities. We also use fuel in our vehicle fleet and our employees
use it to commute to work.
Since most energy is generated from burning fossil fuels, this leads
to contaminants in the air that cause asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Burning fossil fuel also releases carbon dioxide – the gas primarily
responsible for global warming. By conserving energy in our laboratories
and other buildings and by efficiently producing energy through an on-site
cogeneration system, we are limiting our harm to the environment as well
as lowering our energy bills. This allows us to commit more of our budget
to our core mission.
The NIH manages energy through several programs:
- The NIH Transportation Program which provide alternatives to single-use
automobile commuting,
- Fleet Management which includes the use of alternative fuels in all
NIH vehicles,
- Sustainable Buildings which includes the design and building of energy
saving elements such as green roofs.
- The Energy Conservation Program which helps our employees contribute
to energy savings by keeping them aware of energy issues and providing
them training and tools to reduce their energy use.
- On-site Generation with a cogeneration system
- The purchase of energy from renewable sources
Related References and Links
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