Testing Sustainable Ideas

Investment in renewable technology is fast becoming the preferred strategy for private sector business investors seeking tax incentives and declining payback terms for facility improvements. Global venture capital and private equity investment in renewable technologies have increased more than twentyfold since 2001.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) offers assessments of renewable and sustainable energy-efficient alternatives for public and private sectors. Through comprehensive evaluation of energy efficiency and renewable energy conservation measures, NREL provides expert analysis to assist organizations in unearthing their most viable options for long-term sustainability. NREL also assists with policy development and advises on alternative financing options to ensure that end-users receive the full benefit of applicable tax incentives and rebates while maximizing their return on investment.

Cost/Opportunity Modeling in Practice

Frito Lay and Wal-Mart are among several private sector companies working with NREL to minimize life-cycle costs and reduce environmental impacts.

By applying a cost/opportunity model to a number of renewable energy projects in its sustainability policy, Frito Lay looked for affordable combinations of renewable energy technologies meant to achieve net-zero utility energy consumption. The renewable energy technologies considered included wind power; photovoltaics; solar ventilation air preheating; solar thermal; biomass boilers for cogeneration of heat and electricity; and day lighting options for offices, utilities, and warehouses.

Wal-Mart’s sustainability objectives included the construction of experimental facilities using renewable, energy-efficient alternatives in lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and on-site power generation. NREL also worked with Wal-Mart to develop and evaluate new energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The results included minimized costs, sustainable facilities, and profitable investment.

Frito Lay (FLNA)

NREL and leaders of Frito Lay performed a comprehensive study and feasibility screening of seven FLNA plants across the United States. Large-scale renewable energy retrofits were determined feasible. These will pave the way for Frito Lay to minimize its energy consumption and life-cycle costs through sustainable clean energy technology.

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart opened two experimental stores using renewable electricity, recycling, energy efficient lighting, HVAC and refrigeration. The effort comes as part of Wal-Mart’s sustainability plan and case study partnership with NREL and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The study compares experimental facilities with current Wal-Mart Supercenters and evaluates the potential for energy-efficient alternatives to the systems currently used.

Leading by Example

The NREL is part of the U.S. Department of Energy. It is the United States' chief laboratory for renewable energy and energy-efficiency research and development.

Most recently, NREL has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent from 2005 to 2009. The new goal was announced in December 2007 as part of NREL's participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders program.

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