NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST’s mission is carried out primarily through the operation of facilities in two locations: Gaithersburg, Maryland (234-hectare/578-acre site) and Boulder, Colorado, (84-hectare/208-acre site). NIST employs about 2,900 scientists, engineers, technicians, and administrative personnel. In addition, NIST hosts about 2,600 associates and facility users from academia, industry, and other government agencies.

NIST has a history of implementing safe and effective environmental practices and innovative environmental technologies, and is committed to protecting human health and natural resources.

We at NIST will:

• Comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations and other requirements,
• Provide sound stewardship of our environmental resources,
• Promote the use of safe technologies and operation practices that minimize our impact to the environment,
• Respond immediately to emergencies and minimize any adverse impacts,
• Continually improve our environmental performance through procedures established in the NIST Environmental Management System (EMS),
• Set environmental objectives and target goals, and measure our progress to these goals,
• Take corrective actions following procedures established in the NIST EMS,
• Implement an effective pollution prevention program (minimize the generation of wastes, reduce and recycle materials, investigate and evaluate new practices and procedures and dispose of wastes in an environmentally responsible manner), and
• Ensure the responsible use of energy and water throughout NIST by implementing innovative practices and procedures for conservation.

It is incumbent upon all NIST personnel and associates to assess their own roles and responsibilities and to help fulfill, to the utmost of their abilities, the obligations set forth in this environmental policy statement. All members of the NIST Leadership Board support this policy. It will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary.

Patrick D. Gallagher
Deputy Director, NIST
April 2, 2009

NIST Environmental Management System:
Current Objectives - 2009

Procurement

Objective: Expand the purchase of environmentally sound goods and services. Ensure that consideration of the following are required in NIST acquisitions:

• recycled content products,
• energy efficient products,
• renewable energy,
• water efficient products,
• biobased products,
• non-ozone depleting substances,
• products with no, or very low, amounts of hazardous constituents, and
• environmentally preferable products.

NIST Fleet Vehicles

Objective: Increase the purchase of alternative fuel, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Petroleum Conservation

Objective: Reduce petroleum use in fleet vehicles by 2% annually through 2020.

Alternative Fuel Use

Objective: Increase alternative fuel consumption at least 10% annually.

Energy Efficiency

Objective: Reduce energy intensity by 30% by 2015.

Water Conservation

Reduce water consumption by 2 percent annually through FY 2020 or 26 percent by the end of FY 2020

Electronics Management

Objective: Direct procurements so that 95% of all electronics purchased are Energy Star or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) designated, or Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified.

Mercury Reduction

Objective: Minimize the quantity of mercury used at the NIST Gaithersburg and Boulder Sites.

Storm water

Objective: Reduce the discharge of sediment/pollutants into the NIST storm water conveyance systems.