The Greening of NOAA
As NOAA works hard to preserve and protect the environment, it also practices what it preaches. NOAA’s green buildings and ships, and other internal environmental efforts, significantly contribute toward the greening of our nation. These efforts also save money, conserve valuable natural resources and in many cases create a healthier work environment for NOAA’s employees.
NOAA's Green Buildings
Green buildings conserve energy, water, and natural resources, while reducing impacts on human health and the environment. NOAA’s green buildings can be found throughout the country. NOAA’s Satellite Operations Facility, an advanced weather operations and research facility in Suitland, Md., is the latest addition to NOAA’s growing list of green buildings — it even has a green roof and a rainwater waterfall. Other notable green buildings include NOAA’s Pacific Regional Center in Honolulu and NOAA’s West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center facility in Palmer, Alaska.
NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries have been constructing green buildings since 2002.
Newly constructed buildings at NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in Key West, Fla., and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve in Alpena, Mich., were both built using sustainable building materials. The later also has in place numerous water conservation features and a highly efficient geothermal cooling and heating system that has helped reduce the building’s energy bill by as much as 75 percent. This building also recently received a “gold” award from the U.S. Green Building Council, whose LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program sets the standard for environmentally sensitive design in the U.S. Many other NOAA buildings have also received similar awards. NOAA is now working with the U.S. Department of Energy to further promote energy efficiency at other NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries facilities.
NOAA's Green Ships
Like green buildings, green ships also help preserve and protect the environment. Thanks to innovations put in place by NOAA marine superintendent, Dennis Donahue, and the “Green Ships Initiative,” all three of NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory large diesel research vessels now operate entirely on bio-based, vegetable products. The R/V Huron Explorer, R/V Shenehon and R/V Laurentian, all use 100 percent soy biodiesel for engine fuel, canola-based motor oil and vegetable-based hydraulic oil for their deck crane, winches, transmission, and steering gear. Not only is this a cost effective way to help reduce environmental emissions, but it also has improved both ship performance and crew health and safety. Furthermore, by retrofitting the existing fleet of 30 to 50 year old ships, instead of purchasing new ones, additional costs savings were achieved. The ships are the first in NOAA’s fleet to operate on 100 percent bio-based products and GLERL has already received two national level awards for this environmental effort.
With rising fuel prices and federal mandates calling for the greening of government agencies, NOAA’s Green Team formed in May of 2007. The team’s mission is to provide guidance, tools, and direction for implementing innovative "greening" techniques within NOAA's facilities and operations. While many of NOAA’s green efforts originated years ago in numerous local and regional NOAA offices across the county, NOAA’s Green Team now serves to unite NOAA’s greening efforts.
NOAA is dedicated to continuing its green efforts and is proud to both support the nation’s environmental needs, as well as contribute towards it. NOAA’s greening efforts are yet another example of how NOAA is on the cutting edge of science, service and stewardship.