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Four photos in a row across the top of the page. The first photo shows the profile of a wind turbine at dusk; the second of two women in white laboratory coats and glasses observing a piece of equipment; the third of a blue car moving downhill with a red rock in the background; the fourth of a walkway to a sandstone building that has a silver tower in the front and a silver walkway into the second story.

Climate Neutral Research Campuses

Technology Options

Technology Options

Develop a portfolio of measures across the campus.

Research campuses consume more energy per square foot than most facilities. They also have greater opportunities to reduce energy consumption, implement renewable energy systems, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and set an example of climate neutrality.

This Web site provides research campuses a five-step process to develop and implement climate action plans.

  1. Determine Baseline Energy Consumption
  2. Analyze Technology Options
  3. Prepare a Plan and Set Priorities
  4. Implement the Climate Action Plan
  5. Measure & Evaluate Progress

The process follows a logical hierarchy of actions to evaluate options by energy sector and set specific targets. It encompasses every energy system on campus, recognizing that campus-wide measures have greater potential for reducing carbon emissions. Use the Climate Action Planning Tool to determine which technology options will have the most impact on your campus.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed this Web site with support from Labs21—a joint venture of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Labs21 Approach Climate Action Planning Tool for Research Campuses