Greening EPA

National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL)

EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan

225,315 gross square feet (GSF)
Personnel: 175

Energy Intensity:
FY 2015: 301,322 Btu per GSF
5.8% reduction from FY 2003 baseline

Water Intensity:
FY 2015: 23.77 gallons per GSF
29.4% reduction from FY 2007 baseline

Ann Arbor, Michigan

NVFEL is the primary EPA research laboratory used for fuel and emissions testing. The laboratory supports emission standards for motor vehicles, engines and fuels, as well as the development of automotive technology.

Sustainable Features

  • EPA used an energy savings performance contract for a comprehensive energy infrastructure upgrade that included installation of new boilers, chillers, rooftop air handling units, double enthalpy recovery, a 200-kilowatt natural gas fuel cell and a new direct digital control system. This has reduced the facility’s energy use by 50 percent compared to before the ESPC.
  • The facility optimized cooling tower operations to save approximately 800,000 gallons of water per year.
  • The facility also eliminated unnecessary lighting fixtures and installed more efficient fixtures and lighting controls.

For more information visit the NVFEL website or the EPA Facility Contact List.