The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Cornell University have launched a Web site to help campus-based institutions develop clean energy and carbon-reduction strategies.
Drawing on NREL's experience, as well as the best practices at other research campuses, the Web site provides campuses with a process to establish a baseline carbon inventory and develop and implement their own climate action plans.
The core of the Web site is a resource center that describes 24 specific climate action options. For each action, the Web site provides a leading example of the related technology and reference links. It also offers guidance on selecting the right technology options for an individual campus.
The approach offers sustainability officers, lab managers and campus engineers ways to evaluate their facilities and systems by energy sector and set specific targets for improvements.
According to NREL, research campuses consume more energy per square foot than most facilities. Laboratories and data centers run at all hours, using power-hungry equipment and cooling and ventilation systems to ensure high-quality scientific results and meet health and safety regulations. However, they also have greater opportunities to reduce energy consumption, implement renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
SOURCE: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
