Las Vegas, Nevada

photo: University of Nevada, Las Vegas--on-campus EPA facilities

This facility features the following green attributes:
Green Power
Water Management Plan

National Exposure Research Laboratory and Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory

Total Facility Area: 92,700 gross square feet (GSF)
Estimated Personnel: 166 persons
Energy Consumption: 24,918,838,305 Btu per year
Btu per GSF per Year: 268,812
Total Water Consumption: 2,298,400 gallons per year
Gallons per GSF per Year: 25

All energy and water data are reported as of FY 2007.

Description

EPA occupies space in six buildings on or near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus. The facilities are occupied by two EPA laboratories operated by the Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR).

The National Exposure Research Laboratory (ORD). The Environmental Sciences Division of this laboratory is located on campus. Its mission is to evaluate and assess exposure to environmental hazards and to develop methods to monitor and measure such hazards.

Radiation and Indoor Environments National Laboratory (OAR). This laboratory provides technical support for the development and implementation of policy, guidance, programs and regulations concerning radiation, indoor air quality, and emergency response. The laboratory facilities consist of offices, traditional "wet" laboratories, and specialized space for indoor air laboratories, shops, and environmental chambers. In addition, the laboratory operates a fleet of mobile laboratories and monitoring vehicles that are based at an off-campus facility.

Unique Environmental Features

Energy Conservation

In FY 2006, EPA began work on lighting upgrades that include occupancy sensors and energy-efficient fixtures both inside and out of the building.
In FY 2006, EPA replaced 24 20-year-old roof-top package units with more efficient models and has plans to replace all original boilers, air compressors, two chillers, a cooling tower, a large air-handler, and a heat pump.

Green Power

In June 2006, EPA worked with the Defense Energy Support Center to procure a green power contract with 3 Phases Energy Services for 110 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in renewable energy certificates (RECs), or “green tags.” With deliveries beginning September 1, 2006, this blanket purchase offsets 100 percent of annual electricity use at the Las Vegas laboratory and several other facilities through FY 2007 by supporting wind power generation in California, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
In June 2004, EPA entered into a three-year contract with 3 Phases Energy Services to purchase 4.65 million kWh annually of green power for its Las Vegas laboratory. EPA is buying 4,650 RECs (1 REC = 1,000 kWh) per year generated at a wind farm in San Gorgonio, California. This purchase represents 100 percent of the laboratory's electricity use.

Water Conservation

In July, 2004, EPA completed a water management plan for the Las Vegas facility (PDF) (11 pp, 235K, About PDF).

Other Features

All of the facility's chlorofluorocarbons were replaced by 1998.

For More Information

Hayden Hardie (hardie.hayden@epa.gov)
Environmental Science Division
944 East Harmon Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 798-2627
Fax: (702) 798-3147

Web site: www.epa.gov/nerlesd1/