Y-12 receives six of 18 NNSA sustainability awards

The Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge received six of 18 sustainability awards announced by the National Nuclear Security Administration on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy B&W Y-12)

The Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge received six of 18 sustainability awards announced by the National Nuclear Security Administration on Tuesday.

The NNSA said the awards were for innovation and excellence at its national laboratories and sites. They recognize exemplary individual and team performance in advancing sustainability goals through innovative and effective programs and projects that increase energy, water, and fleet efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gases, pollution and waste, a press release said.

“I congratulate the winners of this year’s sustainability awards and all those involved in our efforts to implement environmentally responsible and sustainable operations and projects,” said James McConnell, NNSA acting associate administrator for infrastructure and operations. “NNSA will continue striving to develop new and creative solutions to minimize the environmental impact of our vital national security mission.”

The award recipients were selected by a panel of judges from NNSA headquarters and sites who reviewed and scored the 28 nominations submitted in 11 award categories. The 18 sustainability awards comprise 11 “Best in Class” and seven “Environmental Stewardship” as follows:

Best in Class Awards:

• Change Agent: Making Change Happen at Y-12. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  Recognizes an individual who takes the initiative to foster behavior change in the immediate work environment. Recognition focuses on efforts that advance one or more of the goals identified in the site’s Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (SSPP).

• Exceptional Service/Sustainability Champion: Sustainability is in His DNA: Dr. Dennis Hjeresen. (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  Recognizes a demonstrated 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.

• Greenhouse Gas Scope 1 and 2: Sulfur Hexafluoride Reductions at Saturn-Hermes III. (Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico)
  Recognizes site greenhouse gas reduction strategies and management approaches that address Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The approach exceeds targets in the SSPP and emphasizes a holistic approach to greenhouse gas management.

• Greenhouse Gas Scope 3: Tracer Forensic Incident Response Exercise (FIRE) Virtual Workshop. (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  Recognizes site greenhouse gas reduction strategies and management approaches that address Scope 3 emissions. The approach exceeds targets in the SSPP and emphasizes a holistic approach to greenhouse gas management, including teleworking and other emissions-saving measures.

• Green Buildings: Y-12’s Jack Case Center Accelerates Energy Savings for High Performance. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  Recognizes comprehensive green building principles and demonstrate progress toward meeting the Guiding Principles for High Performance Sustainable Buildings. This project involves cross-cutting collaboration to support the DOE and Y-12’s commitment to reducing energy intensity and operating costs and meeting the Guiding Principles.

• Fleet: NNSS Fleet Management Initiatives. (Nevada National Security Site)
  Recognizes comprehensive or replicable approaches to fleet management programs.

• Water: NNSS Water Loss Mitigation. (Nevada National Security Site)
  Recognizes an integrated approach to water resource management and addresses all water types as potential resources (waste, storm, grey, etc.) and identifies opportunities for reuse.

• Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention: Active Risk Management at LLNL’s National Ignition Facility (NIF) Results in Lower Consumption and Less Waste. (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
  Recognizes innovative and effective waste-reduction programs. LLNL’ NIF exceeded targets in the SSPP.

• Innovation and Holistic Approach: Getting Connected to Build a Holistic Waste Reduction Program. (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
  Recognizes innovative methods and cross-disciplinary research at the site level to support sustainability goal attainment.

• DOE Sustainable Campus: Sustainability in Action at Y-12. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  Recognizes Y-12 for promoting sustainable operations.

• Sustainable Communications: Y-12’s Sustainability Program Improvements Engage and Enlighten Employees. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  Recognizes successful and innovative communications and marketing strategies that promote sustainability goals, successes and best practices.

Environmental Stewardship Awards:

• Change Agent: Andrew Erickson. (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  Recognizes an individual who takes the initiative to foster behavior change in the immediate work environment. Recognition focuses on efforts that advance one or more of the goals identified in the site’s Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan (SSPP).

• Greenhouse Gas Scope 1 and 2: NNSS Offsite Transport of Sulfur Hexafluoride. (Nevada National Security Site)
  Recognizes site greenhouse gas reduction strategies and management approaches that address Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

• Fleet: Y-12 Fleet Reduction and Taxi Implementation. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  Recognizes comprehensive or replicable approaches to fleet management programs.

• Water: LLNL’s Sustainable Landscape. (Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory)
  Recognizes an integrated approach to water resource management and addresses all water types as potential resources (waste, storm, grey, etc.) and identifies opportunities for reuse.

• Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention: Y-12 Landfill Diversion- Don’t Throw it all Away. (Y-12 National Security Complex)
  Recognizes innovative and effective waste-reduction programs. The approach exceeds and supplements targets in Y-12’s SSPP.

• Innovation and Holistic Approach: Energy Management and Experimentation at the National Security and Sciences Building (NSSB). (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
  Recognizes innovative methods and cross-disciplinary research at the site level to support sustainability goal attainment.
• Sustainable Communications: NNSS – The Green Reaper. (Nevada National Security Site)
  Recognizes successful and innovative communications and marketing strategies that promote sustainability goals, successes and best practices.

The press release said NNSA has conducted an internal environmental stewardship awards program for more than a decade.