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Sustainability 101

Worldwide, people have turned to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for inspiration throughout our history. It is NASA’s mission “To drive advances in science, technology, and exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, economic vitality, and stewardship of the Earth.”

Earth's Horizon from Space

NASA is an agency that leads by example and will continue to spur profound changes in our knowledge, culture, and expectations. NASA’s sustainability policy is to execute NASA’s mission without compromising our planet’s resources so that future generations can meet their needs. Sustainability involves taking action now to enable a future where the environment and living conditions are protected and enhanced. In implementing sustainability practices, NASA manages risks to mission, risks to the environment, and risks to our communities, all optimized within existing resources.

In executing its mission, NASA’s sustainability objectives are to:

  • increase energy efficiency;
  • increase the use of renewable energy;
  • measure, report, and reduce NASA’s direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions;
  • conserve and protect water resources through efficiency, reuse, and stormwater management;
  • eliminate waste, prevent pollution, and increase recycling;
  • leverage Agency acquisitions to foster markets for sustainable technologies and environmentally preferable materials, products, and services;
  • design, construct, maintain, and operate high-performance sustainable buildings;
  • utilize power management options and reduce the number of Agency data centers;
  • support economic growth and livability of the communities where NASA conducts business;
  • evaluate Agency climate change risks and vulnerabilities and develop mitigation and adaptation measures to manage both the short-and long-term effects of climate change on the Agency’s mission and operations;
  • raise employee awareness and encourage each individual in the NASA community to apply the concepts of sustainability to every aspect of their daily work to achieve these goals;
  • maintain compliance with all applicable Federal, state, local or territorial law and regulations related to energy security, a healthy environment, and environmentally-sound operations; and
  • comply with internal NASA requirements and agreements with other entities.

To implement this policy and meet the requirements and targets outlined in this plan, NASA will be practical in the integration of sustainability and sustainable practices. We will look for ways to leverage existing management systems, processes and decision-making, to influence both long-term planning and short-term actions, to enhance and strengthen our ability to perform our mission.

Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Plans

Learn More about Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Plans
Climate Heat Map of Earth