- Mission growth leading to increased energy and water consumption.
- Increased employee commuting and business travel.
- High energy use intensity (EUI) in some buildings.
- Challenges in meeting WUI reduction goals due to mission growth.
- Cost and complexity of implementing alternative water sources.
- Challenges associated with POV charging for electric vehicles.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2024 reporting, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 263.1K tCO2e/year. By scope: Scope 3: 28.6K tCO2e/year. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
263.1K tCO2e/year
2024
Renewable Energy
9.2%
of total energy
Water Usage
155.7 Gal/GSF
2024
📊 Emissions by Scope (2024)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 28.6K tCO2e/year |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
📈 Emissions by Report Period
| Report period | Headline emissions figure reported |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 263.1K tCO2e/year |
| 2023 | 262.7K tCO2e/year |
| 2022 | 236.5K MTCO2e/year |
Each row is the headline figure extracted from a different report; scope coverage and methodology can change between years.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced GHG emissions by 1.4% year-over-year (Scope 1 and 2).
- Achieved 9.2% renewable electricity usage, exceeding the 7.5% statutory requirement.
- Continued efforts to reduce once-through cooling (OTC) processes.
- Improved water distribution system by repairing leaks and replacing failed components.
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce water consumption to offset mission-specific demands.
- Complete the new Sewage Treatment Plant project.
📅 Medium-term
- Achieve a 50% reduction in water use intensity by FY 2030.
- Achieve 100% carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) on a net annual basis by 2030, including 50% 24/7 CFE.
🔭 Long-term
- Achieve a net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Energy ManagementWater ManagementWaste ManagementFleet ManagementClean and Renewable EnergySustainable BuildingsAcquisition and ProcurementInvestments: Improvement Measures, Workforce, and CommunityAdaptation and ResilienceGreenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction