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What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is “development that meets 

the needs of the current generation 

without compromising the needs of future 

generations.” (http://www.epa.gov/

sustainability/basicinfo.htm) Present 

Resources

Future

Resources

Our intent is to...

• To have an effective, functioning space center here in 50, 100, ... 200+ years.

• To inform JSC employees and managers what sustainability means and how 

we are organizing our efforts at JSC for everyone to contribute. 

YOU are our Natural Champions.

Together we have the ability to design more sustainable technologies and 

incrementally change our daily habits to reduce our cumulative demand 

on Earth’s natural resources.

You can help by...

√ Learning more (keep reading this!)

√ Talking about your own interests and efforts both at work and at home.

√ Participating in Monthly Sustainability Opportunities 

(Google: NASA JSC Sustainability) 

√ Joining one of our JSC Sustainability Teams (see more on page 12) 

• Green Team: jsc-green-team@mail.nasa.gov

• Sustainability Partnership Team: michael.k.ewert@nasa.gov

• Contractor Environmental Partnership: jennifer.l.morrison@nasa.gov

• Environmental Stewardship Subcommittee: 

JSC-Environmental-Office@mail.nasa.gov

√ Brainstorming additional opportunities and sharing success stories at 

jsc-Sustainability@mail.nasa.gov

√ Joining the JSC Sustainability List Serve by entering your e-mail address 

at https://lists.nasa.gov/mailman/listinfo/jsc-sustainability
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JSC Sustainability Model

Executive Order 13514 requires all U.S. 

Federal Agencies create a Strategic 

Sustainability Performance Plan (SSPP). 

NASA’s SSPP can be found electronically 

on the NASA Sustainability Portal: 

http://www.nasa.gov/agency/sustainability/. 

Air Air Energy Energy

Water Water

Materials Materials Land Land

People People

Natural Resources 

we are Sustaining
What are our Sustainability Goals?

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Reference: NASA 2013 Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan
What is the Plan?

Sustainability takes a combination of both Awareness and Enforcement

Enforcement:

Because some environmentally 

related impacts of our actions 

are already causing significant 

consequences, there are some 

sustainability-related elements 

that are no longer optional. 

These high impact, high 

mitigation cost actions are 

controlled by entities like the 

Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) and the Council on 

Environmental Quality (CEQ).

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Impact or Consequence of our Actions

Mitigation Cost 

(How much it will cost to 

repair our actions later)

Awareness: JSCs Sustainability Operating Rhythm

This strategy is aimed at inspiring awareness and motivation change in the areas that are still low 

to moderate impact and cost to mitigate. It’s published every first quarter of the FY. Additional 

references that support this are the JSC Energy Dashboard, the JSC Monthly Sustainability 

Opportunities, and our JSC Annual Sustainability Report (published every 3rd quarter). 

This information is always available to you by Googling: NASA JSC Sustainability.

Or e-mail JSC-Sustainability@mail.nasa.gov with specific questions.
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Air

Includes: 

Energy • Stationary Sources • Mobile Sources • Indoor Air Quality • Materials

The Air Resource at JSC includes several types of emission activities. Stationary Sources includes both fixed 

stack sources and fugitive sources. Mobile Sources include Government and personal vehicles, government 

aircraft, and non-road equipment. Indoor Air Quality includes tracking Hazardous Material Usage and Air 

Conditions and Exposure Assessments for such parameters as lead, mold, dust, and asbestos.

Sustainability Goal #1

Greenhouse Gases: Reduce direct Greenhouse 

Gas (GHG) emissions (onsite or offsite) by 18.3% 

and indirect emissions (e.g., commuting, travel) 

by 12.6% by FY 2020, compared to FY 2008. 

(Related to ENERGY)

Sustainability Goal #6

Sustainable Acquisition: Ensure > 95% of 

applicable new contract actions meet Federal 

mandates for acquiring products that are energy 

efficient, water efficient, biobased, environmentally preferable, non-ozone depleting, recycled 

content, or are non-toxic or less toxic alternatives. 

What has been done to meet the GHG 

reduction goal? What are we trying to do? 

1. The Energy Manager is implementing several 

energy savings programs that result in reduced 

GHG emissions.

2. The Environmental Office has a JSC-specific 

FEMP GHG emission report to track the 

emission metric results. The following chart 

shows the current JSC status.

Note that none of the GHG reduction targets 

imposed by EO 13514 are Center-level targets 

(they are all Agency-level).

What has been done to meet the sustainable 

acquisition goal? What are we trying to do?

1. JSC Procurement is including FAR 

sustainability clauses in all applicable 

construction and other relevant 

service contracts.

2. The Environmental Office works with several 

other organizations to track and manage the 

use of toxic and hazardous chemicals and 

materials, including ozone-depleting 

substances (ODSs). For example, JSC 

eliminated the last of the Class I ODS (most 

damaging) materials from use in 2011, and is 

gradually phasing out use of the Class II ODS.

Here’s what you can do!

For your home or auto 

air conditioning system, 

select a reliable service 

contractor. Make sure 

they use refrigerant 

recovery equipment 

during service. And 

request that service 

technicians locate and 

repair leaks instead of 

“topping off” leaking 

systems. 

And that’s not all. Contact the Air Resource focal 

point Kirk Hummel to learn more and get involved. 

Here’s what you can do!

Consider 

teleworking 

to reduce 

your vehicle 

emissions from 

commuting 

to work. 
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Energy

Includes: 

Renewable • Electricity • Natural Gas • Conservation • Metrics

Energy use impacts all of us every day here at JSC. Our mostly 1960’s era campus and increasing use of 

electronic devices provide many opportunities to conserve energy and achieve several sustainability goals.

Sustainability Goal #1

Greenhouse Gases: Reduce direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions (onsite or 

offsite) by 18.3% and indirect emissions 

(e.g., commuting, travel) by 12.6% by 

FY 2020, compared to FY 2008. 

What has been done to meet the 

GHG reduction goal? What are we 

trying to do? 

By reducing energy use on site JSC 

reduces not only emissions from our 

boiler plant but also emissions from 

offsite power plants that generate 

our electricity.

Here’s what you can do!

Consider Cycling to work. JSC is 

creating a team of avid cyclists to help 

mentor and suggest improvements.

Sustainability Goal #2

Federal Energy Intensity: Reduce energy intensity 

per Gross Square Foot (GSF) of building area from a 

2003 baseline by 3 percent per year, or 30 percent 

by FY 2015.

What has been done to meet the Energy 

Reduction Goal? What are we trying to do?

The Energy Managers work closely with FM’s to 

reduce lighting and HVAC run times, as well as 

constant monitoring of energy use with our Energy 

Support Services Contractor Honeywell to look for 

energy waste and correct it. We work closely across 

JSC to install energy saving equipment and facilities, 

and promote energy awareness. This effort includes 

working with IRD on energy saving tips for printers 

and computers. 

Here’s what you can do!

Follow Energy Saving Tips like reducing energy-using 

equipment in your work areas (especially refrigerators) 

and participating in JSC’s Superflex Program.

Sustainability Goal #8

For FY 12, 5% of the agency’s total electricity consumption 

is from renewable energy sources; for FY 13 and beyond, 

renewable energy is 7.5% of electricity consumption.

What has been done to meet the Renewable Energy goal? 

What are we trying to do?

JSC is planning or working on several renewable projects 

including making Rocket Park and the Child Care Center 

NET ZERO (net generate all the power the facility consumes). 

Site renewable energy generation is supplemented by 

purchase of Renewable Energy Credits (REC) to meet the goal.

Here’s what you can do!

Learn more about renewable energy and support JSC’s program 

by contacting your JSC Energy Manager, Kevin McCue.
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Land

Includes: 

Buildings • Master Planning • Grounds • Historic Sites • Wildlife

The land resource includes the nearly 1,600 acres of property as well as the native prairie, oak forest, and 

375 buildings that make up JSC. Managing this resource calls for preservation and intelligent use of landscaping, 

existing buildings, local wildlife, native vegetation, historic landmarks, and new building construction. 

Sustainability Goal #2

Sustainable Buildings: At least 15% of 

Agency’s existing buildings meet Guiding 

Principles by FY2015.

Sustainability Goal #9

Climate change resilience: Evaluate climate 

change risks to identify and manage the effects 

of climate change on the agency’s operations 

and mission in both the short and long term.

Building structures that meet sustainable standards is accomplished in one way by meeting 

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 

(LEED) standards. There are eight LEED certified 

buildings at JSC (B27, B29, B207A, B2N, B26, 

B265, B20, and B12).

Protecting native plants and animals: 

Grounds contractors have been utilizing native 

or locally adapted species to maintain building 

landscaping. Wildlife managers maintain native 

species in the prairies and forest by removing 

invasive species and planting native prairie 

plants in areas of important bird habitat.

Here’s what you can do!

Consider designing or remodeling your 

home to be more sustainable with our 

natural resources. Insulation, desiccant 

wheels, rainwater catchment, solar panels, 

and permeable pavers are all on display at 

http://www.codegreenhouston.org/.

Here’s what you can do!

Plant native plants in your own yards to attract 

songbirds and butterflies. They also need less 

water. Remove invasive and noxious plants that 

impact native species and damage local wildlife 

populations. Read more at www.wildflower.org/.

And that’s not all. Contact Matt Strausser to learn 

more and get involved. 
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Water

Includes: 

Potable Water • Fire Suppression Water • Re-use Water • Storm Sewer 

• Sanitary Sewer

Saving water is everyone’s responsibility. JA is working to improve the facility and utility systems at JSC. 

And by saving water, sanitary sewer flows are also reduced. This means less impact on local sewage treatment 

systems and less impact on the environment. And by finding leaks that erroneously flow to the storm sewer 

systems, we can reduce possible polluted flows into our local waterways and lakes. 

Sustainability Goal #2

Sustainable Buildings: At least 15% of Agency’s 

existing buildings meet Guiding Principles 

by FY2015.

Sustainability Goal #4

Water use: Reduce potable intensity (gallons/SF) 

by 2% each year, compared to 2005 Reduce use 

for industrial, landscaping, and agricultural by 

2% each year, compared to 2010.

JA fully embraces LEED and the Five Guiding 

Principles, which include provisions for water 

conservation. New buildings at JSC are 

constructed with low flow plumbing fixtures 

and rain water catchment systems for 

landscaping irrigation. Other building programs 

installed low-flow plumbing fixtures on existing 

buildings as part of an 

Energy Savings 

Performance Contract. 

JSC is striving to meet 

the sustainable goal of 

15% of buildings by 

2015; however, the 

water conservation 

area is well on its way. 

JA is in the final stages of projects to split the 

potable and fire suppression water services. 

This will significantly reduce the flushing 

needed to maintain a healthy and pure drinking 

water system. Because the amount of flushing 

can be reduced, JSC’s water usage is also 

reduced. JA is also finding and eliminating 

cooling water systems on lab equipment that 

use a once-through water flow. Because this 

water is not recirculated, there is no recycling 

of the water. Upgrades will include a heat 

exchanger, pump and recirculation loop to 

reduce water waste. Other planned projects to 

reduce water usage include a reclaimed waste 

water system utilizing a STP effluent product 

for non-potable uses, such as cooling tower 

makeup and irrigation for landscaping. 

Here’s what you can do!

Using a Low-Flow (2.5Gal/min) shower head can 

save you up to $1.10 per shower. Average cost of 

a 10-min shower with a regular shower head 

is ~$1.69, so that’s significant.

http://www.paystolivegreen.com/shower-waterand-energy-use-calculator/

Here’s what you can do!

Fix those dripping faucets at 

home and notify any facility 

manager for dripping faucets, 

toilets or external water leaks 

that you see or hear on site.

And that’s not all. Contact Doug Conover to learn 

more and get involved. 
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Materials

Includes: 

Procure • Use • Recycle • Dispose • Reutilize

Our goal is to close the loop on materials and waste by diverting more than 50% of our waste 

from landfills and by purchasing items made from recycled and biobased content.

You can help: Reduce unnecessary purchases

Reuse when it’s still useful

Recycle everything you can

Then: Rebuy items with recycled, biobased, and less hazardous content

Sustainability Goal #5

Waste: Divert 50% of solid waste (excluding 

construction and demolition debris); divert 

50% of construction and demolition debris

Divert 50% or more of our waste from landfills 

through recycling and reuse.

• JSC manages a mature recycling program 

for paper, cardboard, cans, bottles, and 

office supplies.

• JSC created a stock reuse program: OSCAR

• JSC asks employees to participate in the 

Freecycle@Work program.

• JSC implemented Coffee to Compost 

as an addition to our award-winning 

composting program.

Purchase 100% of designated items with the 

minimum required content.

• Since a significant portion of JSC’s annual 

budget goes to contracts, our goal is to 

ensure 95% of contracts have applicable 

requirements for “green” purchasing.

• JSC offer short, focused training sessions

on sustainable acquisition requirements, 

including reporting requirements.

• Download the new sustainable acquisition 

brochure. <http://www6.jsc.nasa.gov/ja/

apps/news/newsfiles/3484.pdf>

Here’s what you can do!

1. Participate in the JSC 

Coffee Compost Program.

2. Commit to throw NO 

recyclables in the trash.

3. Start a compost or worm 

bin for food scraps.

4. Participate in Freecycle in 

your own city.

Here’s what you can do!

1. Watch “The Story of Stuff.”

2. Ask yourself if you absolutely need this now.

3. Learn to make and use your own cleaning 

supplies.

Sustainability Goal #6

Sustainable Acquisition: >95% of applicable 

new contract actions meet federal mandates for 

acquiring products that are energy efficient, water 

efficient, biobased, environmental preferable, 

non-ozone depleting, recycled content, or are 

non-toxic or less toxic alternatives

And that’s not all. Contact Michelle Fraser-Page

to learn more and get involved. 
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People

Includes: 

Awareness • Education • Opportunities • Rewards • Behavior Change 

How many planets does it take to sustain your lifestyle?

Calculate your ecological footprint using the personal calculator, and explore scenarios to reduce your demand. 

Encourage your friends and family to participate, apply this at work and at home, and champion legislation to 

decrease our country’s footprint. http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/calculators/

Do We Fit on Our Planet? 

We are now borrowing capacity for our resources from future generation. It now takes the Earth longer to 

regenerate what we use than the rate we are using it. We measure our ecological footprint to make sure that 

the human demand rate of Earth’s natural resources is equal to or less than the Earth’s ability to replenish 

those resources, known as biocapacity (a.k.a. – supply). 

Balanced Resource Sustainability = 

Earth’s Biocapacity ≥ Human Demand (Ecological Footprint) 

This figure tracks the per-person 

resource demand Ecological 

Footprint and biocapacity in 

United States of America since 

1961. Biocapacity varies each 

year with ecosystem management, agricultural practices (such 

as fertilizer use and irrigation), 

ecosystem degradation, and 

weather, and population size. 

Footprint varies with consumption 

and production efficiency. Where 

a dotted line is shown, interpolation estimates have been used in 

place of highly unlikely outliers 

in the results.

At present, based on the research of the Global Footprint Network, the United States has a higher demand 

than our resources can replenish. Neither nationally nor globally are our human demands on natural resources 

equal to or less than the Earth’s ability to regenerate them. The calculations in the National Footprint Accounts 

are primarily based on international data sets published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the 

United Nations, United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database, and other data from the UN Statistics 

Division, the International Energy Agency, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Other data 

sources include studies in peer-reviewed science journals and thematic collections. 

Credit: Global Footprint Network 2013 National Footprint Accounts. 

Available at the Global Footprint Network Web page.
How do I get more involved?

Proactively Communicate 

Sustainability Initiatives 

Across Directorates

The Environmental Stewardship Subcommittee 

(ESS) is JSC’s advocate for conserving natural 

resources, reducing environmental impact and 

providing a healthy workplace by enhancing 

compliance. The ESS provides bi-directional 

communication between the JSC Environmental 

Office and JSC organizations on environmental 

issues that affect the Center and cross organizational lines. 

Please contact the JSC Environmental Office

to get added to the distribution list.

Brainstorm, Design, and Build 

Advanced Sustainability 

Technologies

Since 2004, the JSC Sustainability 

Partnership Team (SPT) combines space 

technology and technical ideas with solutions 

to terrestrial problems. The SPT strives to 

improve environmental sustainability at JSC 

and increase JSC’s exposure to ‘dual use’ 

technologies, while engaging the technical 

workforce in solving JSC’s institutional 

(a.k.a. terrestrial) sustainability problems. 

Please contact Mr. Mike Ewert to be part 

of the JSC Sustainability Partnership.

Collaborate and Find Common 

Solutions Leveraging Different 

Perspectives

The Contractor Environmental Partnership 

(CEP) is a group of contractor volunteers from 

onsite and offsite that work together to find 

successful practices that address common 

sustainability and environmental problems. 

Collaborating with JSC personnel, the CEP 

collects success stories shown to have benefit 

to JSC contractors and collaborate on how to 

implement the solutions onsite. Having multiple 

perspectives creates better solutions to 

problems and results in benefits to JSC and 

local communities. 

To find out more about our ongoing efforts, such 

as the Coffee to Compost Program, please 

contact Ms. Jeni Morrison. 

Questions, Ideas, Suggestions, or Success Stories? 

E-mail JSC-Sustainability@mail.nasa.gov

Engage More Leaders Within and 

Outside of our Community

The Green Team is a group of JSC employees 

and contractors that seek to motivate and 

educate the JSC community to be more 

sustainable at work and at home. The Green 

Team arranges educational lectures and tours 

regarding recycling, energy conservation, green 

living and more.

Learn more at the internal JSC Green Team 

website.