Y-12, Pantex honored for sustainable purchasing

Sites reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy and money

Oak Ridge, Tenn. — Consolidated Nuclear Security recently received 2023 Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) Purchaser Awards for excellence in its procurement of sustainable Information Technology products at Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the Pantex Plant (Pantex) in Amarillo, Texas. The sites were recognized by the Global Electronics Council for purchasing EPEAT electronics such as computers, printers, phones, televisions, copiers, scanners, and servers.

Sustainable purchasing efforts at Y-12 National Security Complex saved money and energy, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in 2022. (Click for larger image)

Y-12 and Pantex were among more than 60 organizations from around the world celebrated for their leadership in sustainable purchasing. The organizations included cities, states, U.S. federal agencies, healthcare systems, universities, K-12 school systems, and private companies. The organizations recognized required EPEAT in their procurement policies and contracts and reported EPEAT purchasing volumes through their award application.

Sustainable purchases yield big results

Y-12 was recognized for EPEAT purchases in three categories, and Pantex was recognized for purchases in four categories. Together, the sites purchased more than 7,000 EPEAT-certified products with a reduction of greenhouse gas equivalent to more than 1 million kilograms of carbon dioxide—the equivalent of taking more than 200 average U.S. passenger cars off the road for a year.

Those sustainable purchases are good for the bottom line as well, representing a sustainability cost savings in excess of $185,000 for both sites.

“By purchasing EPEAT-registered products, we know they have undergone a thorough evaluation of their life cycle, which helps us meet the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet,” said Brad Russell, CNS Sustainable Acquisition program manager. “Purchasing these products also helps us ensure our mission to protect the nation is met in the most sustainable way possible.”

Creating a more sustainable world

“Receiving this award means that Consolidated Nuclear Security is committed to sustainability, including the purchasing and life cycle of electronic equipment at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas,” said Russell.

“The award winners are leading the charge toward creating a more sustainable world,” said Emmanuel Nwodo Waldo, senior manager of global relations for the Global Electronics Council. “They have taken sustainability from the boardrooms to their balance sheets. Our winners have spent more than $2 billion purchasing EPEAT products. This ongoing commitment toward creating a more sustainable and just world is worthy of celebration and emulation.”

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC operates the Pantex Plant, located in Amarillo, Texas, and the Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. Bechtel National, Inc. is the lead member of CNS; minority members include Leidos, Inc.; ATK Launch Systems, LLC; and SOC LLC. Pantex and Y-12 are key facilities in the U.S. Nuclear Security Enterprise, and CNS performs its work with a focus on performance excellence and the imperatives of safety, security, zero defects, and delivery as promised.

For more information on each site, visit www.pantex.energy.gov or www.y12.doe.gov. Follow Pantex on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Follow Y-12 on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

CONTACT
Kathryn King, APR
Communications
Office (865) 315.5996
Kathryn.King@pxy12.doe.gov