NNSA Recognizes Laboratory and Site Partners for Achievements in Environmental Innovation with 2016 Sustainability Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) recognized several sites across the Nuclear Security Enterprise with 2016 Sustainability Awards for innovation and excellence in environmental sustainability.

The awards recognize exemplary individual and team performance across more than a dozen categories.  Laboratory and site partners are honored for achieving sustainability objectives through innovative and effective programs and projects that increase energy and water efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gases, pollution and waste. NNSA has conducted an internal environmental stewardship awards program for more than a decade.

The award categories and award descriptions are developed by the DOE Sustainability Performance Office (SPO), which manages the DOE Sustainability Awards Program. NNSA conducts its internal sustainability awards recognition program based on the NNSA nomination submissions input into the SPO’s sustainability awards program.

“I want to congratulate the winners of this year’s Sustainability Awards and recognize the team effort needed to implement environmentally responsible and sustainable operations and projects,” said DOE Under Secretary for Nuclear Security and NNSA Administrator Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz. “NNSA will continue to build on these successes and pursue new and creative solutions, as stewards of the environment and our enduring national security mission.”

The award recipients were selected by a panel of judges from NNSA Headquarters and sites who reviewed and scored 15 nominations submitted in nine of the 15 award categories. The 12 sustainability awards comprise six “Best in Class” awards and six “Environmental Stewardship” awards.

Best in Class Awards:

• Change Agent:  Terry Cothron Builds Bridges to a Bright Future at Y-12.  (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  The change agent category recognizes individuals who takes the initiative to foster behavior change in their immediate work environment, organizational unit and/or site.  Recognition will focus efforts, large or small in scope, that advance one or more of the sustainability goals.

• Exceptional Service/Sustainability Champion: Continuous Improvement in Chemistry Research.  (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  The exceptional service/sustainability champion demonstrates a history of exemplary performance in leading implementation of sustainable practices while reflecting a comprehensive approach to energy and environmental management through innovative strategies, practices and outreach.

• Water: Y-12 Reduced Water Usage and Improved Water Quality.  (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  This award category recognizes an integrated approach to water resource management, addressing all water types as potential resources (waste, storm, grey, etc.) and identifying opportunities for reuse.

• Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention: Y-12 Perseveres to Prevent Pollution in Wastewater Treatment Operations. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  This award category and selected nomination recognizes innovative and effective waste-reduction programs that exceeded performance targets in the Site Sustainability Plan (SSP).

• Green IT:  Consolidating Thousands of Data Servers into a Private Cloud Service Saves Over 10 Million Kilowatt Hours. (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  This award category recognizes exemplary performance in green IT, including power management and data center sustainability.

• Performance Based Contracts:  Y-12 Energy Savings Performance Contracts Investing in a Sustainable Future.  (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  This award category recognizes utilization of performance based energy contracts to achieve DOE sustainability goals that support Executive Order 13693 and the President’s Performance Contracting Challenge.

Environmental Stewardship Awards:

• Change Agent: Championing Sustainability in a Rural Scientific Environment (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  The change agent category recognizes  individuals who takes the initiative to foster behavior change in their immediate work environment, organizational unit and/or site.  Recognition will focus efforts, large or small in scope, that advance one or more of the sustainability goals.

• Greenhouse Gas Scope 1 and 2: Y-12 Steams Ahead – Wise Utilities Management. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  This award category recognizes site greenhouse gas reduction strategies and management approaches that address Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The approach should exceed or supplement targets in the site’s SSP and emphasize a holistic approach to greenhouse gas management.

• Water: Water Management at Los Alamos National Laboratory. (Los Alamos  National Laboratory)
  This award category recognizes an integrated approach to water resource management, addressing all water types as potential resources (waste, storm, grey, etc.) and identifying opportunities for reuse.

• Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention: Y-12 Uranium Processing Facility Sustainable Practices.  (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  This award category and selected nomination recognizes innovative and effective waste-reduction programs that exceed performance targets in the SSP.

• DOE Sustainable Campus:  A Modern Strategy for an Aging Campus.  (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  This award category recognizes innovative campus management where design or modifications promote sustainable operations.

• SustainABLE Communications: Sustainability Outreach Refresh.  (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
  This award category recognizes successful and innovative communication and marketing strategies that promote sustainability goals, successes and best practices with a focus on effective and unique outreach programs that engage stakeholders and discuss the benefits of sustainability.

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Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains the safety, security and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear explosive testing; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. Visit www.nnsa.energy.gov for more information.