​                                                                                                       SUBSCRIBE                   PREVIOUS ISSUES​

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​​The Grand Green Gift!

​This holiday season, the NIH Federal Credit Union (NIHFCU)​ decided to present NIEHS employees with a sustainable gift they aren’t likely to forget. Staff at the Research Triangle Park (RTP) Campus were delighted to discover that they can now charge their electric vehicles at no cost, courtesy of NIHFCU.

The construction of the new solar carport and EV charging stations were first contracted in early 2023, with building and physical progress starting in March of 2024. After several months of development, the stations located near Building 101 were ready for use in September. They are partially powered by a 200-kW solar array and each feature Level 2 dual-port charging capabilities.

While NIEHS was responsible for funding the infrastructure and construction, NIHFCU is covering employee charging costs. Rick Wieczorek, NIHFCU’s President & CEO, stated, “The credit union is thrilled to team up with the NIEHS in its commitment to sustainable commuting and improved air quality”.

He continued, “NIHFCU has been powering the EV charging stations at the Bethesda, MD campus for several years, and we are excited to expand this effort for the NIH workforce in the Research Triangle Park.”

Solar arrays can make NIH more resilient by reducing its dependence on grid electricity. By having onsite solar arrays to generate electricity, power can be provided if the grid is disrupted by unforeseen circumstances. The carbon pollution-free electricity generated by on-site solar arrays can replace part of the fossil fuel usage that comes from electricity generation.

This solar carport has very impressive capabilities. Using a 200-kW solar array in the RTP area saves 321 lbs of CO2 emissions/hr compared to grid electricity. The array reduces annual carbon emissions equal to 24 residential homes. Almost 60% of the RTP campus would need to be replaced with forests to sequester this much carbon in a single year.¹

The NIHFCU’s investment in environmental stewardship sets a stellar example and showcases the impact collective action can have on our planet. Together, we can create a future where sustainability is at the forefront of our choices, reducing carbon emissions and improving the health of our planet. ​

​Spotlight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

​	​​GREEN Bingo Board Results ​ ​The 2024 GREEN Bingo Board Competition is now complete. Let’s get the scoop from our winners!​ LEA​RN MORE​​​​

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​	​Green Holiday ​ ​As the holiday season approaches and more leave is taken, it’s important to keep sustainability in mind both at home and at work. In this article, we’ll review a few things you can do to maintain a sustainable outlook regardless of which setting you’re in.​​ ​​LEARN MORE​​​​​

NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Did you know? ​​​​There is a new Sustainability training on LMS (NIHORFDEP_CAP; 00278095​)! Receive credit for this training today! To learn more about sustainability at the NIH​​​​​​​​​​​​​​, please visit the NEMS T​raining webpage to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.