Y-12 honored for sustainability; Sexton named Sustainability Champion

Y-12 National Security Complex energy manager Charlie Sexton; image courtesy of Y12

OAK RIDGE, TN - Charlie Sexton, Y-12 National Security Complex energy manager, was recently named a Sustainability Champion by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Sustainability Performance Office at the Department’s sustainability Awards Program in Denver, Colorado. The site also received an honorable mention for its partnership with the National Nuclear Security Administration Production Office, known as NPO, and DOE to maximize sustainable recycling.

The Sustainability Performance Office sponsors the DOE Sustainability Awards to recognize outstanding sustainability contributions of individuals and teams at DOE and National Nuclear Security Administration facilities across the country. The awards celebrate excellence in energy, water, and fleet management, as well as achievements in projects representing exemplary sustainability practices.

Sexton was recognized for his role in the Energy Program and High Performance Sustainable Building (HPSB) compliance. Sexton’s efforts to ensure accurate data management have resulted in more than $3 million in energy and water savings for DOE and taxpayers and enabled the site to exceed its energy intensity reduction goal for fiscal year 2018. This increased energy efficiency directly minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and helps launch projects that will bring 18 Y-12 buildings into HPSB compliance.

These projects and savings that move Y-12 toward a more sustainable site would not be possible without Charlie’s hard work and coordinated efforts,” said Jan Jackson, Y-12 Sustainability and Stewardship manager. “He has built relationships with on- and off-site organizations because he knew that tracking energy usage rates was vital to meet DOE sustainability goals.”

The site’s partnership with NPO and DOE to maximize recycling received an honorable mention as a Strategic Partnership for Sustainability. By working with NPO and DOE, Y-12 personnel streamlined the authorized release determination process for specific materials. This initiative efficiently and safely reduced waste, improved operations and avoided costs.

Published September 13, 2019