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On October 27, Energy Secretary Steven Chu recognized the Fugitive Emissions Working Group (FEWG) with Secretary's Achievement Award. This award is the Department's highest non-monetary honor for a group or team effort.
Uniting more than 20 DOE laboratories, power administrations, NNSA facilities, and program offices, the Working Group has eliminated nearly half of DOE's emissions of the most potent greenhouse gases (GHG) known to mankind. Leveraging science, technology, and managerial know-how, this campaign has prevented the release of more than 600,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent since 2009.
Fugitive emissions are emissions of gases or vapors from pressurized equipment due to leaks and various other unintended or irregular releases of gases, mostly from industrial activities. As well as the economic cost of lost commodities, fugitive emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change. By driving down fugitive emissions, DOE is on track to achieve one-third of its commitment to reduce GHG emission by 28% at very low cost.
At the Secretarial Award Ceremony, representatives of the ten sites which played a leadership role in eliminating fugitive emissions were recognized. Included in this recognition was a member of the Office of Health, Safety, and Security, the DOE Headquarters Office that sponsors the FEWG.
According to FEWG Chair Josh Silverman, "When we began assessing fugitive emissions within the Department, we were shocked by how much these potent gases contributed to DOE's carbon footprint. In just two years, thanks to the initiative and efforts of FEWG participants, fugitive emissions turned from a major environmental challenge into a DOE climate change success story. As a result, the Department of Energy is reducing its greenhouse gas footprint, years ahead of schedule, by aggressively controlling its fugitive emissions."
For more information or questions about the FEWG and the Award, contact Josh Silverman at 202-586-6535 or Jeff Eagan at 202-586-4598.
