INL’s Road to Net-Zero

On Earth Day in 2021, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) announced its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions across the 890-square mile laboratory by 2031. Given the size and complexity of INL, this commitment requires an intricate set of tiered solutions that the Net-Zero Program is working to develop in collaboration with leaders across the lab. Taking a team-centered approach has enabled INL to gather specific information regarding emissions generated by the approximately 300 buildings, 700 vehicles, and 200 acres of landfill space that the laboratory oversees. INL then used this data to revise its Net-Zero Plan, making certain to align it with Executive Order (EO) 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, and EO 14057, Catalyzing America’s Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability. This presentation focuses on the lessons learned as INL updated its scope of work and developed strategies to assess and reduce emissions—both in the near term and to meet 2031 goals even as INL’s mission and energy needs grow.