August 23, 2006—DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which develops renewable energy technology, recently announced it is employing renewable energy to offset not only the total energy use of its buildings, but the energy used by NREL vehicles, employee commuting, air travel, and other “life cycle” energy consumption as well.
NREL’s on-site power production from wind turbines and solar power systems contributes 138,000 kilowatt-hours to the laboratory’s power needs. Thermal energy sources for NREL facilities include solar hot water systems and ventilation air preheat systems. Passive solar heating and day-lighting are used extensively.
NREL’s comprehensive energy management program also includes retrofitting with new energy-efficient equipment and devices, peak demand management, an energy monitoring and metering project, as well as regular staff education on energy-reduction practices.
NREL reportedly exceeded its five-year goal as part of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders Partnership, having cut overall greenhouse gas emissions more than 10 percent since 2000. NREL was also the first federal pilot partner in the Climate Leaders Partnership.
NREL encompasses 618 acres on several sites, with 665,000 square feet of laboratory and office space that house more than 1,100 researchers and support staff. Several of NREL’s laboratory buildings are reportedly among the most energy efficient of all comparable federal facilities.
In addition, all new construction at NREL is committed to exceed the current Federal Model Energy Code by at least 30 percent. For example, NREL’s new Science and Technology Facility, a 71,000-square-foot laboratory structure, is projected to use 38 percent less energy than the “base building” standard and was designed in accordance with criteria for Gold-level LEED, says the Laboratory.
