January 2019 – July 2022
The University of California enacted a policy to phase out single-use plastics from all campuses, including Berkeley Lab. Plastic has a significant detrimental impact on the environment from production to disposal, and only a small fraction is recycled. You can help by using reusable items. https://sbl.lbl.gov/category/news/#UC%20Policy%20to%20Ban%20Single%20Use%20Plastics
The Department of Energy recognized Berkeley Lab for sustainability in three areas: Efficient High-Performance Computing (NERSC), Outstanding Sustainability Program/Project (Integrative Genomics Building), and a Lifetime Achievement Award for retired ETA Staff Engineer Dale Sartor (seen here). https://sbl.lbl.gov/category/news/#DOE%20Awards%20for%20NERSC%20efficiency%2C%20IGB%2C%20and%20Dale%20Sartor
Interested in reducing plastic waste? Sustainable Berkeley Lab encourages you to get involved in Plastic Free July (PFJ). Find out more about how your colleagues are tackling this challenge at the meetup on Wednesday, July 29 at noon. Sign up to participate and find event details on SBL’s PFJ site. https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/pfj-berkeley-lab
Those who took the Waste Quiz during Earth Month (April) averaged a score of 80%! Find out the answers to the most frequently missed questions. And if you missed it, you can still take it. Proper waste diversion is key to meeting the Lab’s sustainability goals. https://sbl.lbl.gov/category/news/#Employees%20Score%2080%25%20on%20Waste%20Quiz
The Lab’s Integrative Genomics Building received a Best Practice Award for Overall Sustainable Design, which is UC’s highest recognition for sustainability in new construction. The building is on track for LEED Gold, and uses just 36% of the energy used by the facility it replaced in Walnut Creek. https://sbl.lbl.gov/category/news/#Berkeley%20Lab%20wins%20award%20for%20IGB
Interested in reducing plastic waste? Sustainable Berkeley Lab encourages you to get involved in Plastic Free July. Connect with your colleagues to see how they are tackling this challenge at two virtual meetups this month. The first is on July 15 at noon. Sign up and learn more. https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/pfj-berkeley-lab
Everyone plays a role in helping to meet the Lab’s sustainability goals, reinforced by the Lab’s new policy on Sustainable Operations. Learn more about the part you play in this effort and the Lab’s progress toward sustainability goals. https://sbl.lbl.gov/category/news/#Sustainability%20Stewardship%2C%20Policy%2C%20and%20Progress
How can you stay sustainable and avoid disposable plastic in the world of COVID-19? Check out tips and events, and pledge to do your part this July. https://sbl.lbl.gov/category/news/#Join%20Plastic-Free%20July%20%26%238211%3B%20More%20Important%20than%20Ever
Composting benefits your plants, your planet, and your wallet. On June 9, Karen Salvini of Sustainable Berkeley Lab shared the basics, and why it’s so important for everyone to compost food waste, whether you have a big yard or a small apartment. https://youtu.be/mQTlyzxA-o4
In April, Berkeley Lab celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, virtually. Employees shared their stories, ideas, and favorite organizations. Check out the videos, and browse the crowd-sourced list of ways you can celebrate and help the earth, even in your own shelter-in-place or backyard. https://earthday.lbl.gov/