The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), headquartered in the United States, is a leading institution in the renewable energy sector. Founded in 1974, NREL has been at the forefront of advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, with a focus on solar, wind, and bioenergy. With major operational regions across the US, NREL conducts pioneering research and development, offering unique services such as energy analysis, technology transfer, and policy support. Its commitment to innovation has positioned NREL as a key player in the transition to a sustainable energy future, marked by significant milestones in solar energy efficiency and grid integration. Recognised for its contributions to clean energy solutions, NREL continues to drive advancements that support both national and global energy goals, solidifying its reputation as a vital resource in the renewable energy landscape.
How does National Renewable Energy Laboratory's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Mean score of companies in the Research Services industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory's score of 39 is higher than 64% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
In 2024, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reported total carbon emissions of approximately 6,250,000,000,000 kg CO2e. This figure reflects the laboratory's commitment to addressing climate change through innovative renewable energy solutions. For the previous year, 2023, NREL disclosed emissions of about 39,698,600 kg CO2e for Scope 1 and approximately 51,713,890 kg CO2e for Scope 2, indicating a focus on direct and indirect emissions from energy consumption. NREL has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for net-zero emissions in its buildings by 2050. This long-term target involves employing sustainable design and operational strategies to enhance performance and asset value. In the near term, NREL is aligned with national goals, advocating for an 11% annual reduction in power emissions from 2023 to 2025 for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, in response to observed stagnation in 2024. The laboratory's emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organization, ensuring that its commitments and performance are independently reported. NREL's initiatives reflect a proactive approach to sustainability, reinforcing its role as a leader in renewable energy research and development in the US.
Access structured emissions data, company-specific emission factors, and source documents
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 0.41 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 0.05 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 2.08 | - | - |
The vast majority of their carbon footprint comes from suppliers and value chain emissions, representing the vast majority of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Purchased Goods and Services" being the primary emissions source at 33% of Scope 3 emissions.
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.

