Sustainability in Operations of Astronomical Research Facilities - NOIRLab's Strategy

I will give an overview of the NOIRLab Sustainability Program which is aimed at reducing the center's carbon footprint from electricity, travel and vehicles by 50% by the end of 2027. NOIRLab built into the current 5-year period funded by NSF a commitment for the first 30% reduction. We have then subsequently secured funding to reach close to 50%. I will put the NOIRLab Sustainability Program in context of climate change, the 2020 decadal survey (Astro2020), and our responsibility as a nationally funded research center to lead also in addressing climate change. In addition, the presentation contains a tour of some of the larger projects we are undertaking, including installation of a large photovoltaic and battery system to power Gemini South fully on renewable energy, and cover about 70% of Rubin Observatory's needs once in operation.

Speaker: Inger Jorgensen (NOIRLab)

This event will be fully virtual. To stream the colloquium, please click the Webcast button above. 

The goal of STScI Engineering and Technology Colloquia is to provide speakers for our community of the highest caliber from leading-edge engineering and technology disciplines and promote collaboration with professionals across the Institute. The steering committee invites speakers not only from conventional engineering disciplines, but from across business, academia, and government. Obtaining speakers with perspectives and knowledge that can enrich the understanding of our staff and simultaneously enhance their connections with other professionals across the nation is fundamental to ensuring STScI remains at the forefront of its mission.

Please direct questions or comments to seatc@stsci.edu. The 2024 committee members are Melody Easton, Sherita Hanna, Phillip Johnson, Ian Jordan, Donald McLean, Lauretta Nagel (Chair), Michael Register, and Eliza Wojtaszek.