[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 21 (Monday, February 9, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE ENERGY INNOVATION LABORATORY

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I wish to commend the Idaho National 
Lab's Energy Innovation Laboratory, EIL, for the facility's selection 
as the 2014 Best Green Project in the Nation by the Engineering News-
Record.
  The recent award is among the growing list of recognitions the EIL is 
receiving for the innovative work at the lab. Engineering News-Record 
also recognized EIL as the Best Overall Intermountain Project for the 
States of Idaho, Utah and Montana. Additionally, EIL won the 2014 Go 
Beyond Award for the team's work to reduce the lab's environmental 
impacts. The lab is also among fewer than 5 percent of U.S. Green 
Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED, 
registry research labs to be Platinum-certified.
  EIL was completed in 2013 following the outstanding work of the EIL 
project team, led by Reed Miller of Ormond Builders and Kath Williams, 
the LEED coordinator, and in collaboration with INL's Project 
Management Office, Supply Chain Management and Campus Development 
Office. The new laboratory provides space for INL researchers to 
develop solutions to national energy challenges in advanced clean 
energy and related environmental science while also consolidating some 
of INL's research and development. I commend all those on the project 
team-including Ormond Builders Inc.; INL; Plan One/Architects; REL 
Facilities, LLC; Engineering System Solutions; and others--for their 
collaborative and conscientious work to establish this exceptional 
research facility that is mindful of our environment.
  Energy efficiencies at the facility have resulted in its energy use 
being nearly half that of other conventially-designed laboratories. In 
addition to its impressive energy savings, the facility's design also 
reduces its water usage. Nearly all of the construction waste was 
recycled, reused or repurposed, and one-third of the facility was 
constructed using recycled materials.
  Idahoans are leading the way in developing technological and 
scientific advancements that are beneficial around the world. The 
exceptional research and development being conducted at the Idaho 
National Laboratory is an asset to our State and Nation. I commend all 
those on the EIL project team for their forward-thinking work. 
Congratulations on receiving this award. I look forward to continuing 
to follow your success.

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