Coc Environmental

Environmental Stewardship

Environmental Stewardship

LANL is proud of its long-standing commitment to environmental excellence by minimizing current operational impacts and creating a sustainable future.  LANL ensures compliance with applicable environmental requirements through a variety of institutional plans and programs, which are all essential components to the environmental management system at LANL.  

Summary of Policy

LANL is committed to environmental excellence. Achieving excellence demands that employees conduct work in a way that minimizes waste and environmental impacts and is compliant with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.  As we fulfill the Laboratory’s mission, we act as stewards of our environment and obey environmental regulations. By setting goals for continuous improvement, we measure and document our progress, and share our results with our workforce, stakeholders, and the public.

Do the Right Thing

  • Conduct work in a way that minimizes waste and environmental impacts and is compliant with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Complete annual Environmental Management System (EMS) Awareness training.
  • Understand the Laboratory’s Governing Policy on the environment.
  • Complete Environment Action Plan (EAP) actions as assigned.
  • Utilize the Integrated Review Tool (IRT) for all new or changed work/activities.
  • Understand how assigned work can affect the environment (it may not be obvious!).
  • Prevent environmental nonconformances through proper communication with Environmental Protection and Compliance (EPC) Division and Waste Management (WM) Division.

Common Questions

If you are unsure of the proper environmental requirements and procedures, regardless of whether they are external or internal requirements, ask for clarification and/or help. Your Deployed Environmental Professional (DEP) and your Waste Management Coordinator are great first contacts for questions. Your supervisor or manager may also be able to answer questions.  You may also visit the Environmental Protection and Compliance website for a list of issues and the appropriate Subject Matter Expert (SME) to ask for guidance.

Many products now have an environmentally preferable alternative available at competitive prices.  These “green” products reduce environmental impacts and cost less during their life cycle because they are less regulated once they become waste.  Think about your products’ life cycle before you buy and work with your Designated Procurement Representative to buy environmentally preferable products whenever possible. EPC’s Pollution Prevention (P2) Program may also be able to assist with selecting greener products in your work.

If purchasing chemicals, only buy what you need.  Disposing of unused or outdated chemicals generates a waste that requires disposal.

Small actions done over time through many people can add up to big impacts:

  • Use institutionally required tools to evaluate work at the Laboratory.  P351 requires the use of the Integrated Review Tool (IRT) for all new and modified work that occurs at the Laboratory.
  • Get to know your Deployed Environmental Professional. They are a GREAT resource for all environmental questions you might have.
  • Include your Deployed Environmental Professional in early discussions of work that is occurring!
  • Get to know you Waste Management Coordinator.  They are a GREAT resource to compliantly manage waste generated.
  • Print or use both sides of each sheet of paper.  
  • Convert as many files as possible to electronic only (pdf or other formats) so that less printing is needed.
  • Share your ride!  When several employees are going to the same meeting, share a car, whether it is a rental car, personal vehicle, or government vehicle.  Less cars mean less environmental impact.
  • Turn off lights and equipment when not in use.  Electricity purchases contribute the largest percentage towards greenhouse gas emissions at the Lab.

Additional Resources: