LaRC Continues to Reduce our Energy Usage, Saving Money to Support Our Mission and Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions!
Goal Progress: FY 2023 mid-year results are in –the Center’s building energy consumption (excluding some research facilities, i.e. Goal Excluded) dropped by 51.2% compared to the baseline year of FY 2003!
Wait – What Goal?
Executive Order (EO) 13990 “Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis,” issued in January 2021, EO 14057 “Executive Order on Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability” issued in December 2021 both outline federal goals for energy usage. NASA Langley’s goals for reducing energy consumption on Center are compliant with the to federal statutes. The goal in EO 13990 for Energy Usage was a 30% reduction according to the FY03 baseline. Currently, at the end of Quarter 3 of FY24, LaRC was at 51.2% reduction and continues to show incremental improvements. Headquarters issues guidance on what the goal for annual incremental improvements will be for Centers. LaRC currently uses an annual goal of 0.5% reduction per year, which it exceeded this year: usage was down by 5.4% from last year. Great job team! In EO 14057, NASA and other federal agencies are asked to increase carbon-free electricity (sources such as solar, nuclear, geothermal, etc) to 100% of facility usage by 2030.
We measure our energy usage by tracking energy in terms of BTUs (British Thermal Units) divided by the Gross Square Footage (GSF) of Goal Subject buildings.
So what does “Goal Subject” mean?
Our Agency and Center Goals for Reduction in Energy Consumption lists some important research (wind tunnels) and operations support facilities (compressor station, LN2 Plant, Steam Plant) as Goal Excluded, meaning their energy usage is recognized as mission critical. Those facilities using more energy means we are fulfilling our research mission.
So what can I do to help?
Small actions add up to big energy savings and reductions! Simply turning off lights when you leave a room and making sure to turn off monitors and other devices over the weekend helps save energy! For other tips and tricks, keep an eye out for the Holiday Energy Reminders that the LaRC Energy Team posts to Inside Langley before all long weekends.
