Sustainability

Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS). Regional, state, and local agencies use this multipurpose environmental analysis in performing studies on watershed and water quality.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). This EPA research program is developing the tools necessary to monitor and assess the status and trends of ecological resources.

Federal Research and Development Agenda. The goals and objectives defined in this document focus on net-zero energy, water and materials use, indoor environmental quality, performance measurements and metrics, and barriers to the adoption of these new technologies by the building sector.

Green Construction. This site describes pollution prevention initiatives that must be considered in all plans, drawings, work statements, specifications, or other product descriptions in construction of federal facilities.

Impervious Land Cover. Nonpoint pollution from impervious cover - on roads, buildings, parking lots, and turf grass - can seriously impact associated bodies of water.

Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP). This EPA program tests the applicability of the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program approach to answering questions about ecological conditions at regional and local scales.

Regional Vulnerability Assessment (ReVA). EPA's Office of Research and Development is developing this approach to regional-scale, priority-setting assessment.

SEQL: Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life. This integrated environmental initiative is working to improve the regional environment in the 15-county Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill region in North and South Carolina.

Tools of Watershed Protection in Developing Areas. This EPA Watershed Academy online module outlines a watershed protection approach that applies eight tools to protect or restore aquatic resources in an urbanized or developing watershed.

U.S. Green Building Council. This coalition of leaders from across the building industry is working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, economically efficient, and healthy places to live and work.

Wastes – Resource Conservation – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Construction & Demolition Materials. This Web section provides information on EPA's efforts and other opportunities to reduce construction and demolition (C&D) materials –the debris generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings, roads, and bridges.