To improve its environmental stewardship, the Nuclear Energy Institute in 2008 joined The Climate Registry as a founding reporter, agreeing to voluntarily measure and publicly report its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions each year.

Working with First Environment, a consulting firm that provides GHG emissions inventory support, NEI will report its carbon footprint—or total GHG emissions—and then take actions to reduce and mitigate that footprint. The GHG measurements will be documented using The Climate Registry’s general reporting protocol and be independently verified. Because all reporters use the same methodologies, representing best practice in voluntary corporate reporting of GHG emissions, the reported data is an accurate, consistent, high-quality data set of GHG emissions.

In reporting its carbon footprint, NEI strives to lead by example by fully assessing ways in which its employees and buildings can use less energy.

In 2008, NEI took the following actions to reduce its carbon footprint going forward: 

• Remodeled main office areas incorporating efficient lighting and insulation
• Built-out new Capitol Hill conference center in a LEED-certified manner. 

Currently Complete Integrated Certification Services Ltd. (CICS) is verifying NEI’s reported 2008 emissions, as required by The Climate Registry’s protocols. In addition to this initiative, all emissions reported for the year 2008 will be offset with high-quality, verified emission reduction projects.

Other companies in the nuclear energy industry have also joined The Climate Registry, including Arizona Public Service Co., Duke Energy, Pacific Gas and Electric, Progress Energy, SCANA and Xcel Energy. Nuclear energy provides the largest amount of carbon-free electricity, which helps the nation meet its growing electricity needs while reducing the effects of climate change. Read more about nuclear energy’s environmental benefits.