U. S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu recognized the Fugitive Emissions Working Group (FEWG), of which Argonne National Laboratory is a part, with the Secretary’s Achievement Award — the Department of Energy’s highest non-monetary honor for a group or team effort. Greg Barrett, Environmental Engineer, accepted the award on behalf of Argonne National Laboratory and all Argonne employees who have contributed to the laboratory’s sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) reduction efforts.

Uniting more than 20 Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories, power administrations, National Nuclear Security Administration facilities, and program offices, the FEWG has eliminated nearly half of DOE’s emissions from the most potent greenhouse gases (GHG) on the planet. Leveraging science, technology, and managerial know-how, this campaign has prevented the release of more than 600,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent since 2009.

The FEWG is working to reduce emission rates even further over the next two years. By driving down fugitive emissions, DOE is on track to achieve one-third of its 28 percent GHG reduction goal commitment at very low cost.

At the 2011 Secretarial Award Ceremony, representatives of ten sites that played a leadership role in eliminating fugitive emissions were recognized, including Argonne’s Greg Barrett.

FEWG Chair Josh Silverman commented on the special role of Argonne National Laboratory on the Working Group, “When we began assessing fugitive emissions within the Department, we were shocked by how much these potent gases increase DOE’s greenhouse gas releases. Argonne staff played a leadership role in helping to develop strategies to address this critical issue. In just two years, thanks to the initiative of Argonne staff and other FEWG participants, fugitive emissions turned from a major environmental challenge into a DOE climate change success story. As a result, the Department of Energy is reducing its greenhouse gas footprint, years ahead of schedule, by aggressively controlling its fugitive emissions.”

Argonne’s SF6 reduction efforts have significantly reduced the laboratory’s total GHG emissions. One pound of SF6 is equivalent to 10 tons of CO2. Argonne is leading the way in SF6 reductions by recapturing the gas, used as an anti-arching agent in electron microscopes, accelerators and other high-energy equipment. The gas is recaptured, recycled and reused.

Posted Oct. 27, 2011

Argonne and 24 Illinois companies and organizations were honored for their significant achievements in protecting the environment, helping sustain the future and improving the economy. The Governor’s Sustainability Awards were presented by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) during a luncheon in Champaign.

Since 1987, ISTC has presented Governors Awards to organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices. Both public and private Illinois organizations are eligible for an award. Organizations winning for the first time received the Sustainability Award. Organizations like Argonne that have won in past years and are continuing their environmental efforts, are awarded a Continuous Improvement Award.

“These businesses and organizations have shown that it is possible to create and maintain conditions under which people and the environment can exist in productive harmony, and fulfill the social and economic requirements of present and future generations,” said ISTC Director Manohar Kulkarni.

Information on the Governor’s Sustainability Awards program, lists of previous winners, and information on technical assistance are available at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center website.

Posted Nov. 11, 2011