About NEI

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 reports its carbon footprint—or total GHG emissions—annually and then takes actions to reduce that footprint. The GHG measurements are documented using The Climate Registry’s general reporting protocol and independently verified. Because all reporters use the same methodologies, representing best practice in voluntary corporate reporting of GHG emissions, the reported information 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.  For example, NEI's 2009 greenhouse gas emissions reported to the Climate Registry included emissions of 675 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent.  NEI reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 12 percent from the 769 metric tons of CO₂-equivalent reported in 2008. 

The report has been verified as accurate by Advanced Waste Management Systems Inc. 

In 2008-2009, 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. 

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.