GOAL 5: Pollution Prevention and Waste Elimination

The NIH will adhere to pollution prevention and waste elimination goals stated below.

Goal 7 has two primary goals with specific metrics and these include:

7b) Divert at least 50% non‐hazardous solid waste by 2015.

7c) Divert at least 50% Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials and debris by FY 157.  The current HHS SBIP requires all new construction and major renovation products to set targets for reducing generation of C&D materials and debris by a minimum of 50%. Similar improved waste segregation and accounting systems are currently being developed by NIH to meet the requirements of LEED certification and tracking compliance with the Guiding Principles and other greenhouse gas and waste reduction mandates. Further reductions in C&D generation will be attained as current waste management contracts expire and are replaced with new contracts requiring C&D waste accounting and greater diversion of materials to recycling. Implementation of decommissioning and sustainable deconstruction processes developed by NIH across HHS will also facilitate the assessment and sorting of debris, and release of more.

Fig. A15 – Recyclable Construction Waste Debris

Secondary Goals: In addition to the primary goals, there are the following nine secondary:

7a) Increase source reduction of pollutants and waste.

7d) Reduce Printing Paper Use

7e) Increase use of uncoated printing and writing paper containing at least 30% post‐consumer fiber

7f) Reduce and minimize the acquisition, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals and materials

7g) Increase diversion of compostables and organic materials from the waste stream

7h) Implement integrated pest management and landscape management practices to reduce and eliminate the use of toxic

and hazardous chemicals and materials;

7i) Increase use of acceptable alternative chemicals and processes

7j) Decrease agency use of chemicals to assist agency in achieving FY 2020 GHG reduction targets;

7k) Report in accordance with Sections (301‐313) of the Emergency Planning and Community Right‐to‐Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986​

                                             Fig. A16 – Compostable Label example 

Goal 7a: Increase source reduction of pollutants and waste:

 

Goal 7b: Divert at least 50% non-hazardous solid waste by 2015

 

Goal 7c: Divert at least 50% Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials and debris byFY 2015

 

Goal 7d: Reduce Printing Paper Use

 

Goal 7e: Increase use of uncoated printing and writing paper containing at least 30% post-consumer fiber;

 

Goal 7f: Reduce and minimize the acquisition, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals and materials;

 

Goal 7h: Implement integrated pest management and landscape management practices to reduce and eliminate the use of toxic and hazardous chemicals and materials;

 

Goal 7i: Increase use of acceptable alternative chemicals and processes;

 

Goal 7j: Decrease agency use of chemicals to assist agency in achieving FY 2020 GHG reduction targets; and GHG reduction targets; and

 

Goal 7k: Report in accordance with Sections (301-313) of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986

Fig. A17 – Waste Diversion Diagram – courtesy of Maryland Department of Environment (below)