Sustainability, derived from the idea of “sustainable development” in the 1987 reports of the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” At Fermilab we are committed to using resources in this way – striving for energy efficiency, using renewable energy sources, and designing buildings to minimize waste.
At Fermilab we make every effort to integrate environmental consideration in everything we do. Throughout our history we have set standards and goals to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Fermilab has done this by avoiding harm to cultural resources and by protecting species, natural habitats and ecologically sensitive areas and embracing the challenge of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Fermilab’s goals include reducing emissions from fleet vehicles, operation of stationary sources such as emergency back-up power generators, purchased electricity and natural gas, fugitive emissions, off-site wastewater treatment, waste generation and employee travel.
By educating experimenters and helping employees across the lab to appreciate and protect our environmental resources, Fermilab has created a culture of sustainability that will be part of the laboratory for years to come.
Read our 2023 Sustainability Highlights Brochure here: Fermilab Sustainability Highlights 2023