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EPA Marks Earth Day by Welcoming the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab as an ENERGY STAR Partner

Release Date: 04/22/2008
Contact Information: Elias Rodriguez, (212) 637-3664, [email protected]

(Princeton, N.J.) Energy efficiency matters! That was the Earth Day message demonstrated today by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), a national center for fusion energy and science research managed by Princeton University, as it was welcomed as an ENERGY STAR partner by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock recognized the laboratory for its commitment to sound energy management through investments in energy efficient lighting, energy management systems, and energy benchmarking in facilities and operations. ENERGY STAR partners are facilities that take action to improve energy efficiency, protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gases.

"What better day than Earth Day to recognize a facility that is helping EPA achieve our environmental protection goals through a promising partnership," said EPA Deputy Administrator Marcus Peacock. "We are encouraged to see the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, a distinguished member of the scientific community, serve as a model to other organizations, proving you can conduct outstanding scientific research while saving energy and money. PPPL’s pioneering fusion research fusion has the potential to dramatically improve America's energy security while significantly reducing air pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases."

"Princeton's designation as the first Department of Energy facility to become an ENERGY STAR partner highlights the Laboratory's commitment to reducing its footprint on the environment through increased energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while conducting cutting edge research. The Laboratory, as part of an overall Department of Energy initiative, is also focusing on increasing use of renewable energy, reducing water use and implementing sustainable design into its operations. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a model for all Department of Energy facilities," said DOE Under Secretary for Science, Dr. Raymond L. Orbach.

In partnership with ENERGY STAR, the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab will measure and track the energy performance of the organization’s facilities and operations by using tools such as those offered through ENERGY STAR. PPPL will also develop and implement a plan consistent with the ENERGY STAR energy management strategy to achieve energy savings and promote the importance of energy efficiency to its staff and community.

The DOE Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory is a collaborative national center for plasma and fusion science. Its primary mission is to develop the scientific understanding and the key innovations, which will lead to an attractive new energy source. Associated missions include conducting world-leading research along the broad frontier of plasma science and technology, and providing the highest quality of scientific education.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Now in partnership with DOE, EPA works with more than 8,000 organizations to improve the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses.

Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products as well as new homes. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2007 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved more than $16 billion on their utility bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

• Reduce environmental impacts
• Cut energy costs
• Create value through energy efficiency
• Strengthen organizational energy management practices
• Benchmark energy performance to similar businesses
• Share experiences and best practices with peers in a “no-sell” environment
• Keep up with the latest industry developments
• Demonstrate improved energy and environmental performance through external validation
• Earn public recognition for superior performance.

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