About NREL
Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality

Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality

NREL conducts research, support, and deployment activities in a manner that protects the safety and health of workers, visitors, the public, the environment, and laboratory assets.

NREL's international certifications demonstrate the laboratory's commitment to staff, the local community, and the scientific community as a world-class research institution.

Demonstrated Commitment to Safety

Safety is a core value at NREL and integrated into all activities. NREL's staff and management are committed to managing health and safety risk through the implementation of an Integrated Safety Management System. This commitment to protect people, the public, and the environment applies equally to scientists, engineers, operations support, subcontractors, and anyone doing work at NREL.

Two people wearing safety gear manipulate objects within a large open container.

Reference Documents for NREL Subcontractors

View NREL Environment, Safety, and Health requirements to help plan, procure, and execute work at the lab.

NREL has an Environmental Management System to carry out its environmental stewardship commitments. Learn more by accessing NREL's Annual Site Environmental Report.

Emergency Management ensures lab operations continue during emergencies by outlining actions during crises, closures, and delayed openings, and by providing timely communications through NREL's text alerts system. NREL partners with local and regional first responders to ensure staff and community members are protected in the event of an emergency.

NREL's Occupational Health Services staff provides medical services and resources for illnesses, injuries, and health hazards associated with lab operations and activities.

NREL's Quality Management program ensures all work is conducted with the highest standards of quality by defining policies, assigning responsibilities, and assessing performance to meet regulatory requirements and organizational goals.

International Organization for Standardization Certifications

NREL maintains the following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications.

ISO 45001 certification highlights NREL's environmental management practices, demonstrating its efforts to minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability initiatives.

ISO 14001 certification addresses occupational health and safety, emphasizing NREL's commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for its employees.

ISO 9001 certification focuses on quality management systems, ensuring that NREL consistently meets customer and regulatory requirements while striving for continuous improvement.

ISO/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025 accreditation ensures NREL's laboratories meet rigorous criteria for competence in testing and calibration processes. It also ensures NREL's measurements are traceable and align with international standards.