Sustainability Superheroes Honored at Annual Ceremony
Photo: Steve McCaw/NIEHS
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences scientists and staff working to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and make laboratories more sustainable were celebrated recently at a Sustainability Superheroes reception.
More than 160 individuals were recognized for efforts to reduce waste, address energy use, and make NIEHS labs more efficient.
“We have a history here at NIEHS of being the first,” said co-host J’Ingrid Mathis, executive officer and associate director for management at NIEHS. “We were the first in HHS to prepare a climate resilience plan, the first to have a net-zero energy building, and this year will be the first year that our annual electricity use will be 100% carbon free.”
Dr. Darryl Zeldin, NIEHS scientific director and event co-host, added, “From pollution prevention to conserving and generating renewable energy, to hands-on implementation of new greening initiatives, today’s awardees are working diligently to reduce the institute’s environmental footprint.”
NIH Green Labs
NIH Green Labs awards honored labs exhibiting a commitment to compliant waste prevention, management, and recycling; cold storage best practices; water conservation; sustainable procurement; and fostering collaboration and engagement.
NIEHS Green Researchers
The Green Researcher awards went to individuals committed to safe, sustainable lab practices, and fostering collaboration and engagement in the environmental arena.
NIH Freezer Challenge
Cold storage of biomedical samples is necessary for research, yet older freezers can use as much energy each year as an entire U.S. household.
“Freezers deserve additional focus when it comes to helping further our sustainability goals,” said Kerri Hartung, NIEHS sustainability coordinator.
NIEHS Special Recognition
Awarded projects included a solar canopy installation, electric vehicle shared-use charging program, and pilot projects to boost recycling of gloves and pipettes.
HHS Green Champions
NIEHS projects recognized include NIEHS Refrigerant Management Plan; NIEHS Rall Building Roof Replacement/Refurbishments; NIEHS Transportation Reduction of Soiled Animal Bedding and NIEHS Recycling Program Innovation.