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NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Achieves Landmark Sustainability Certification
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has consistently championed sustainability initiatives and has recently achieved a significant milestone. The Applied Chemistry Lab at the spaceport has become the first facility in the agency to receive certification for its environmentally responsible practices.
The My Green Lab Certification acknowledges excellence in sustainable practices within research facilities globally. This program, operated by the non-profit organization My Green Lab, aims to foster a culture of sustainability through advancements in science. It is also seen as a vital step toward achieving a zero-carbon future, as recognized by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign.
“I was thrilled when I learned our lab received certification,” stated Dr. Annie Meier, a chemical engineer affiliated with the lab. “This recognition allows us to intentionally promote these eco-friendly practices among all lab personnel, including incorporating them into our training resources for newcomers.”
The Applied Chemistry Lab engages in research and technology development aimed at addressing a diverse array of chemistry and engineering challenges posed by NASA and its external partners. The lab’s primary focus areas include in-situ resource utilization and bridging technology gaps essential for sustainability on the Moon and Mars. Additionally, the scientists at the lab specialize in logistics reduction, plasma science, hypergolic fuels, analytical instrumentation, and gas analysis.
While the lab has long prioritized sustainability, its formal journey toward certification initiated when Riley Yager, a doctoral student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, introduced the concept of green lab practices. Yager, who served as a technical monitor for Meier, advocated for these sustainable methods based on her experiences at her university.
“In my role as a sustainability ambassador, I was aware of the certification program,” Yager recalled. “Sustainability is ingrained in my daily activities, so I naturally sought to introduce these values into the lab setting.”
After being inspired by Yager and observing the wide range of institutions and organizations already certified, Meier submitted a proposal to NASA and secured funding to advance the Applied Chemistry Lab’s certification efforts.
The journey towards certification commenced with a kickoff event hosted by My Green Lab in April 2023, followed by a self-assessment survey. Lab personnel evaluated their practices across various domains, including cold storage solutions, principles of green chemistry, energy infrastructure, resource management, waste minimization, and water conservation. Analyzing the responses, My Green Lab provided a comprehensive assessment and strategic recommendations for enhancing sustainability.
“The initial survey highlighted numerous areas where we could enhance our practices,” Meier explained. “We then collaborated with interns to form a ‘green team’ dedicated to driving these changes and generating enthusiasm throughout the lab.”
The lab initiated improvements by refining its purchasing processes to minimize excess inventory and conducted a waste audit across all seven laboratories. Efforts included implementing recycling programs for nitrile gloves and pipette tip boxes, reviewing the “12 principles of green chemistry” with lab members, and installing signage to promote energy conservation. Moreover, low-flow aerators were fitted to lab taps to curtail water usage, and a recycling sink was introduced to optimize the use of water and solvents in cleaning operations.
Serendipitously, Yager later secured a NASA fellowship at the Applied Chemistry Lab and joined the green team, culminating in a complete circle of collaboration.
“It was gratifying to see this initiative come full circle,” Meier remarked. “The commitment to sustainability was evident across all levels of lab staff, from fellows to experienced researchers.”
As the green team expanded, the lab’s sustainability measures gained momentum. Within six months of the kickoff event, they completed an additional assessment. With certification levels ranging from bronze to green—the latter representing the highest standards of My Green Lab—the Applied Chemistry Lab achieved the green certification. This landmark achievement marks the first instance of any NASA center receiving the My Green Lab Certification.
“Our objective is to maintain and build upon these green practices as we prepare for our subsequent assessment,” Meier stated. “This initiative has the potential to serve as a powerful motivator for other teams to embrace similar sustainable methodologies in their laboratories.”
The Applied Chemistry Lab at NASA Kennedy now stands alongside over 2,500 labs across various sectors that have achieved the My Green Lab certification. To retain this honor, the lab will undergo recertification every two years.
Source
www.nasa.gov