Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has worked diligently and strategically to reduce the Institute’s greenhouse gas emissions for its operations and become more sustainable.

Building on numerous past sustainability efforts, HHMI takes a holistic approach in sustainable operations at the two campuses we own and operate – our Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia.

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Advancing Sustainability at HHMI

 

Measuring, Monitoring, and Conserving

Measure and monitor HHMI’s institutional greenhouse gas emissions at the two campuses we operate and look for strategies on greenhouse gas reduction at both campuses.

Harnessing Campus Enthusiasm & Supporting Ideas and Projects

Harness the tremendous community enthusiasm at both HHMI campuses, gather input on and support employee-led sustainability projects, and further celebrate the sustainability projects with each campus community.

Sharing and Communicating Effectively

Effectively share and communicate HHMI’s sustainability efforts and progress in operations with each campus.

Results So Far

HHMI’s Sustainability Workgroup and operations staff at both of HHMI’s campuses have helped implement a wide range of new processes and procedures to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ensure that the vast majority of the electricity the Institute uses at these campuses is being reinvested in renewable sources.
 
Additionally, HHMI has dramatically increased composting efforts, contributed to supporting local biodiversity, and saved more than $1 million of lab equipment from ending up in landfills.
 
EXAMPLES OF THIS WORK INCLUDE:
  • Over 80% of the combined annual electricity across campuses is covered by HHMI-purchased renewable energy certificates 
  • 50% of the lighting fixtures have been converted to LED at both campuses 
  • 420 pipette tip boxes are recycled each month at HHMI’s Janelia campus 
  • Upgrades to EV charging stations at both campuses 
  • A 6-acre extension of the wildflowers area at HHMI’s Janelia campus 
  • 4.3 tons of organic waste composted per month across both campuses 
 
 

Looking Ahead

Increasing HHMI’s sustainability efforts is a truly collaborative endeavor, requiring years of dedicated and coordinated efforts by employees across the Institute.

HHMI will continue to monitor the Institute’s progress, as well as identify and support projects, ideas, and strategies to become a more sustainable institution.