Sustainable Development

In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainable development as, "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." EPA designed this facility to have a 100 year life span, which is more than double lifespan of typical buildings. By using recycled material, limiting pollution in construction processes, designing public transit options, limiting the use of energy and water, and much more, EPA helped limit environmental impacts from this campus for at least the next century.

To promote continuous improvement in environmental stewardship, EPA established an Environmental Management System at Research Triangle Park. The "e4e" program, everyone for the environment, encourages all EPA staff and contractors to take active steps to reduce environmental effects associated with their own work.