National Aeronautics and Space Administration
K ENNE DY SPA C E C EN T ER Annual Sustainability Report
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Table of Contents 4
KSC Priority Management Plans
5
Sustainability Priorities
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Energy Awareness Month
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Energy Action Day
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Beach Restoration Efforts
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Our Refuge
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Earth Day Expo
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America Recycles Day
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KSC/SEA Awards
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Scrap Metal Recycling
Taken aboard Apollo 8 by astronaut Bill Anders, this iconic picture shows Earth peeking out from beyond the lunar surface as the first crewed spacecraft circumnavigated the Moon.
Apollo 8 - Day 4: Lunar Orbits 4, 5 and 6 075:47:30 Anders (onboard): Oh, my God! Look at that picture over there! Here’s the Earth coming up. Wow, is that pretty! 075:47:37 Borman (onboard): Hey, don’t take that, it’s not scheduled. (Chuckle.) 075:47:39 Anders (onboard): [Laughter] You got a color film, Jim? 075:47:46 Anders (onboard): Hand me that roll of color quick, will you... 075:47:48 Lovell (onboard): Oh man, that’s great!
Priority Management Plans Metric Description: Kennedy Space Center establishes high-priority environmental aspects (which may span multiple years) that require a Priority Management Plan (PMP). The high-priority goals for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 are listed in the metric below. These goals are reviewed and evaluated quarterly and given a score of Green, Yellow or Red. Green indicates the goal has been, or is on schedule to be met. Yellow indicates there is a possibility of not meeting the goal, requiring the owner of the goal to further monitor or make adjustments on the PMPs. Red signifies that the goal has not been met for the fiscal year, and requires the owner of the goal to provide an explanation for not meeting the goal and any corrective action to be implemented.
Status
Goals
Priority Management Plan (PMP) Tasks
Energy & Water Consumption Energy Efficiency (EMS-R-3282.01):
a. Completed energy audits of 25 percent of the goal-subject (GS) facilities by Sept. 30, 2018, and identified energy conservation measures (ECMs)
Reduce energy intensity by Sept. 30, 2018
b. Developed energy efficiency and renewable energy projects c. Continued to execute energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and ensured the master checklists (Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) and Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC), etc.) were utilized
Solid Waste – Construction & Demolition Waste Disposal (EMS-R-3286.02): Generate waste diversion plans for Headquarters (HQ) building deconstruction that take into consideration lessons learned from the Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) deconstruction effort. Obtain management approval of a plan. Develop any corresponding modifications for the HQ deconstruction contract by Nov. 30, 2018
a. Reviewed the environmental rules, regulations and demolition industry current practices to identify the options available to the Kennedy Demolition Program as it pertains to solid hazardous waste by March 30, 2018 b. Evaluated and determined cost of various approaches to solid hazardous waste abatement in conjunction with construction solid waste diversion values for the HQ deconstruction project by July 31, 2018 c. Presented a decisional package to Kennedy’s management at the Project Control Forum (PCF) to include options for budgetary and environmental considerations by July 31, 2018 d. Revisited Demolition Program documentation to implement resulting policies and procedures based on PCF decision, where applicable, by Sept. 28, 2018 e. Developed modification for the headquarters deconstruction project contract to implement the resulting PCF decision by Nov. 30, 2018
Natural Resources – Shoreline Restoration (EMS-R-3280.03):
a. Prepared and submitted Biological Opinion modifications to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) by February 2018
Coordinate preparation steps for stabilization of Kennedy shoreline from northern boundary to southern boundary by FY 2019
b. Developed wildlife monitoring and relocation plan by February 2018 c. Competitively bid award by March 2018 d. Started project construction by May 2018 e. Shoreline construction and wildlife relocation monitoring and reporting to USFWS by Decemeber 2019
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Kennedy Space Center’s Sustainability Priorities In May 2018, the president issued a new environmental executive order, EO 13834, Efficient Federal Operations. The new EO focuses on cost savings, statutory baselines and continuous improvement. Listed below is a high-level description of EOrelated progress Kennedy Space Center has made in recent years and highlights of activities that occurred during FY 2018.
Sustainability Goals Energy Reduction Energy Consumption Reductions and Estimated Savings $14,000.00
0%
$12,000.00
-10%
$10,000.00 -20% $8,000.00 -30% $6,000.00 -40% $4,000.00 -50%
$2,000.00 $0.00
-60% 2003
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Cumulative Estimated Energy Savings ($K)
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Energy Intensity Percent Reduction
FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: The graph shows that Kennedy has reduced its energy consumption by roughly 50% from the 2003 baseline year. The 2003 federal law required agencies to begin reduction reporting by FY 2006. For FY 2018, energy reduction priorities for the year were focused on completing energy audits and identifying new energy conservation measures (ECMs) and water conservation measures (WCMs). In FY 2018, the center completed energy and water audits at over 40 facilities. This was an increase exceeding 400% from the preceding seven fiscal year average. From these audits over 380 ECMs and WCMs were identified that potentially could save Kennedy Space Center a total of over $10 million per year in utility costs when implemented. Kennedy is planning to pursue the implementation of these ECMs and WCMs through performance contracting, which is described later in this report.
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Renewable Energy Renewable Energy and Estimated Savings 25.00%
$900.00 $800.00
20.00%
$700.00 $600.00
15.00%
$500.00 $400.00
10.00%
$300.00 $200.00
5.00%
$100.00 0.00%
$0.00 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Cumulative Estimated Energy Savings ($K)
2015
2016
2017
2018
% Electricity From Renewable
FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: This graph shows how Kennedy has achieved substantial energy savings by investing in renewable energy projects in accordance with federal requirements. While the center has been increasing its renewable energy posture since FY 2010, the fluctuations in the dark blue line represent an optimization of the amount of renewable energy certificates Kennedy has purchased to support the center and agency in meeting federal renewable energy goals. Kennedy has been consuming renewable electricity generated at several locations within our secure perimeter. In FY 2018 a new 2 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) facility was brought online adjacent to the existing 1 MW PV facility, which further assists the agency in meeting federal renewable energy goals. For FY 2018, renewable energy priorities for the year were focused on developing a five-year rooftop solar development plan. This plan includes close to 5 acres of available roof that would be appropriate for PV installations which could increase Kennedy’s solar generation by another 1 MW. In addition to rooftop solar, KSC also is pursuing 2 MW of additional groundbased PV as part of a performance contract project. Also in FY 2018, Kennedy continued to work with its utility provider in seeking ways to further develop PV facilities at the center through public-private partnerships similar in nature to the existing 10 MW Space Coast Next Generation Solar Energy Center on State Route 3 south of the secure perimeter. At the time of the report’s publishing, Kennedy is pleased to announce that it has entered into an Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) agreement with Florida Power & Light to develop 74.5 MW of additional solar generation capacity at Kennedy. Through this agreement and the associated electricy that will be generated, Kennedy and the agency will far exceed federal renewable energy goals. Additionally, the center gains a steady and substantial revenue source from the EUL agreement that will be utilized towards energy and water efficiency as well as renewable energy projects.
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Water Management Water Consumption Reductions and Estimated Savings 0%
$450.00 $400.00
-5%
$350.00 -10% $300.00 -15%
$250.00
-20%
$200.00 $150.00
-25% $100.00 -30%
$50.00 $0.00
-35% 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Cumulative Estimated Water Savings ($K)
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
Water Intensity Percent Reduction
FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: Reducing potable and non-potable water consumption Kennedy has been tracking the use of non-potable freshwater and alternative water as part of an overall water management strategy to reduce consumption and costs since FY 2007. For FY 2018, water management priorities for the year were focused on quantifying the amount of flushing within the center’s water system to maintain water quality standards. In addition to this work, Kennedy was committed to identifying and implementing innovative ways to reduce the amount of flushing within the center’s water system. As a part of this effort, Kennedy identified a potential of 2 to 10% of total water consumption that could be reduced through the use of automated and non-stationary intelligent flushing stations. Currently, the center is piloting a program to install and test these types of flushing stations throughout the water system. One of the Kennedy team members received an Innovation Award for his efforts in spearheading this initiative. Additionally, the center’s water flushing was reduced significantly during FY 2018 when a necessary bacteriological monitoring sample point at Pad B was relocated in order to perform more effective and reduced flushing. Stormwater Management Florida law requires Environmental Resource Permits (ERPs) to prevent storm water pollution to Florida’s rivers, lakes and streams, and to help provide flood protection. ERPs regulate the management and storage of surface waters and provide protection for the vital functions of wetlands and other surface waters. In the St. Johns River Water Management District, the ERP program is jointly implemented by the District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Kennedy strictly follows Florida’s laws to manage stormwater and preserve natural site hydrology. KSC-RPT-8553-Rev: FY-18
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Performance Contracting FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: Performance contracts at Kennedy are public-private partnerships between NASA and a utility company to implement energy and water efficiency improvements, using third party financing. They can be a cost-effective tool to increase facility efficiency, improve operations, and enhance resilience while also addressing needed capital improvements and maintenance backlogs. In FY 2018, Kennedy developed a performance contract, titled Phase 1 Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC). The Phase 1 UESC project is expected to save Kennedy close to $2M per year in operations and maintenance as well as electricity and water utility costs. The scope of the project consists of the following: • • • • •
Miscellaneous Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Lighting and Water Fixture Upgrades Exterior Lighting Upgrades Stairwell Lighting Upgrades Solar Generation Expansion Thermal Energy Storage Installation at Utility Annex
The process for implementing a UESC includes five stages: 1) Acquisition, 2) Preliminary Assessment, 3) Feasibility Study, 4) Design and Implementation and 5) Post-Acceptance. At the time of the report’s publishing, Kennedy has obtained approval to commence with the Feasibility Study. The Feasibility Study is anticipated to be completed in FY 2019 followed by the Design and Implementation in late FY 2019 or early FY 2020. Additional phases of work are planned following the initiation of the Phase 1 Design and Implementation.
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Waste Management Weight of Waste Disposed by Year 2,000,000
Weight of disposal (kg)
1,800,000 1,600,000 1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0
2009
2010
2011 Hazardous
2012
2013
2014
Controlled
2015
2016
2017
2018
Industrial Wastewater
Note: FY 2013 includes a one-time removal event of perchlorate-contaminated soil (864,243 kg) from solid rocket booster motor cleaning operations
FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: In FY 2018, Kennedy repurposed 60.1 million pounds of soil dredged from roadside ditches, and composted 2.6 million pounds of green waste and wood shipping pallets. The center recycled 286,000 pounds of office paper, 161,000 pounds of cardboard, and 21,000 pounds of plastic bottles. In partnership with SpaceX, Kennedy recycled 2.46 million pounds of scrap metal from Launch Complex 39A, removing shuttle-era hardware to better accommodate SpaceX launch operations. Our facility construction and demolition teams repurposed 2.7 million pounds of asphalt and 10.5 million pounds of concrete. They also recycled 2.5 million pounds of scrap metal and 53,000 pounds of aluminum. Kennedy priorities continue to focus on reducing the volume and toxicity of solid and hazardous waste to the extent economically practicable. This is done through an emphasis on first reducing waste at the source (e.g., design it out, implement process efficiencies, control inventory, etc.) Next, the center looks at the recycling potential of waste material, including reusing or repurposing it. For any waste that cannot be prevented or recycled, Kennedy pursues treatment options that physically, chemically or biologically change the character or composition of the waste to recover material resources, render the waste less or non-hazardous, reduce the waste volume, etc. Disposal is used as a last resort.
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Building Evaluations, Benchmarking and Energy Management FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: Agencies are subject to a range of statutory requirements with respect to energy and water conservation and cost-effective investments to ensure efficient management of facilities. Facility Evaluations: • Perform comprehensive evaluations at goal-subject (GS) facilities to identify potential energy and water efficiency and conservation measures. KSC evaluated 25% of such facilities in FY 2018, as part of a program to evaluate 100% of GS facilities over a four-year period. Metering: • No new meters were installed in FY 2018 for electricity, natural gas, or water. However, there will be new metering for natural gas and electricity in FY 2019. Benchmarking: • All facilities greater than 5k square feet are currently benchmarked through Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager. These facilities are updated quarterly with utility information and updated as they are audited in accordance with Federal Guiding Principles requirements. In addition, these facilities are metered back to a benchmark time of FY 2007 (or later for new construction). Energy Management Personnel and Training: • KSC has two civil servants dedicated to energy and water management, as well as contractor support (three work year equivalents).
Fleet Management FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: In FY 2018, Kennedy purchased nine low-speed electric GEM vehicles and reduced the fleet by 119 vehicles. Over 76,330 gallons of E85 gasoline (up to 85% ethanol) were consumed, representing 26% of the total fuel consumed on center.
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Cross-Cutting Goals Acquisition FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: This goal pertains to acquiring, using, and disposing of products and services in accordance with applicable federal procurement policies. • 95% of applicable contract actions contain statutory environmental requirements • 95% of applicable obligations (in dollars) contain statutory environmental requirements
Electronic Stewardship FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: Acquisition • All personal computers, cell phones, smartphones and peripherals managed by the End User Services Office are leased instead of purchased, a best practice in green Information Technology acquisition. • Over 6,950 personal computers managed by the End User Services Office today are Energy Star compliant and Electronic Product Environmental Assessment-Gold rated. • These computers can accommodate memory expansion to mitigate obsolescence when user requirements change. • Since 2017, Kennedy has promoted the use of laptop computers as a more energy-efficient alternative to desktop computers. Management and Use • In 2011, Kennedy began enforcing duplex printing on all network printers and copiers, saving millions of paper sheets per year. • The center reduced the number of network print devices by half in the past eight years and eliminated most stand-alone printers. • Kennedy recycles all used toner cartridges. • All laptops and mobile phones in use at the center include batteries that can be replaced or recharged to extend the life of the device. Disposition and End-of-Life • Personal computers and mobile phones managed by the End User Services Office are recycled after end-of-life by an Environmental Protection Agency Certified Responsible Recycler. • Since 2015, over 18,000 peripherals in good condition such as keyboards, mice and monitors have been reused rather than replaced.
Greenhouse Gas Management and Reporting FY 2018 Accomplishments and Priorities: Kennedy made great strides in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These reductions were achieved through a combination of NASA programmatic changes, including right-sizing and “greening” the fleet of government vehicles, implementing robust energy conservation measures, promoting carpooling, and reducing travel needs by making greater use of technological advances in video conferencing, webbased training and teleworking.
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Energy Awareness Month Highlighted
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Everyday life in the 21st century requires an ever-increasing amount of energy usage. From more powerful computers to larger televisions and the latest gadgets, the demand for additional power seems to increase each day. At Kennedy, experts continue to find ways to be more energy efficient and encourage the center’s employees to do the same. To highlight these efforts, the center’s Spaceport Integration and Services Directorate celebrated October as Energy Awareness Month. More than simply remembering to turn out the lights at the end of the day, Energy Awareness Month included sending messages to all employees about general energy awareness, and giving them access to guest speakers who presented several energy-related topics for their consideration. A popular discussion topic was the center’s use of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. There are two solar farms on Kennedy property: one located in the Industrial Area campus and another at the south end of the center on the site of a former orange grove. These two solar farms produce enough energy to power the average annual electricity consumption for over 400 U.S. residential utility customers or roughly four percent of Kennedy’s total energy consumption. Additionally, Kennedy’s Propellants North Administrative and Maintenance Facility uses more than 300 rooftop-mounted solar PV panels. The facility also incorporates solar awnings over part of the parking lot that cover several electric vehicle charging stations. Together, there are some months the facility has produced enough renewable energy onsite to completely offset the power it consumed that month.
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Energy Action Day Focuses on Harnessing
Solar Power The solar focus of Kennedy’s Energy Action Day was a perfect fit for a facility located in the middle of the Sunshine State. Employees from the Florida spaceport spent their lunchtime in the center’s Space Station Processing Facility conference room on Oct. 25, 2017, to hear from a panel of subject-matter experts from NASA, power utilities and other institutions regarding the use of solar energy in space, at Kennedy and even at home.
Chuck Tatro of NASA’s Launch Services Program discusses the use of solar arrays on space science missions during the Energy Action Day employee event. Photo credit: NASA/Michelle Stone
Chuck Tatro of NASA’s Launch Services Program explained the role of solar arrays in spaceflight, such as the Juno mission to Jupiter. Kennedy Space Center’s Sam Ball discussed the 2-megawatt solar expansion under construction at the center. Bill McMullen of Southern Power, John Sherwin of the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, and Lorraine Koss of the Brevard County Solar Co-op spoke about community and residential solar energy as well as ways to reduce energy loads at home. The event was held in conjunction with Energy Action Month, historically a nationwide effort to underscore how important energy management is to our national prosperity, security and environmental sustainability.
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Beach Restoration Effort Protects Spaceport Infrastructure
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center occupies a scenic stretch of land along Florida’s east coast, including miles of pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a perfect location for launching rockets, but erosion is a concern – especially during hurricane season. To protect critical spaceport infrastructure, NASA is managing a restoration project to shore up the dunes that create a natural barrier from the waves. About 450,000 cubic yards of beachquality sand from inland was transported to the space center’s beaches. Once the dune is built up, native coastal vegetation will be replanted, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife.
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Restoration efforts were underway to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Oct. 8, 2018. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
Background image: Restoration efforts to the dunes at the north beaches at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center included planting of native coastal vegetation, helping to stabilize the dune and offer a habitat for Kennedy’s coastal wildlife. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Feral Hogs Wild hogs forage for food in tall grass at Kennedy.
Great Horned Owl A juvenile great horned owl occupies a nest atop a loudspeaker utility pole.
Raccoon A raccoon walks through tall grass at Kennedy.
Gopher Tortoise A gopher tortoise crosses a road at Kennedy.
Mockingbird Scrub-Jay
A fledgling mockingbird is seen outside of Kennedy’s Logistics Facility.
A Florida scrub-jay’s bright blue-and-gray plumage stands out against green scrub oaks.
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Our Refuge Kennedy Space Center shares boundaries with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s Atlantic coast. The refuge covers approximately 144,000 acres and is home to more than 315 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammal species, and 65 amphibian and reptile species.
Feral Hogs Feral hogs are the descendants of captive animals that belonged to people who lived in the area before it became a spaceport. Hogs are an invasive species that do significant damage to native habitats and wildlife, and their intelligence, nocturnal activity and coloration make them difficult to find. No one knows for certain how many hogs live within the refuge – estimates have ranged between 3,000 and 12,000 – but a study currently is being designed to provide information needed for hog management.
Raccoon The raccoon is one of the most commonly seen mammals at Kennedy. They may look cute and harmless, but raccoons can be troublemakers, occasionally even dangerous, and are often considered a nuisance animal. Raccoons possess many traits that make them very successful. They can eat just about anything and live almost anywhere; they’re nocturnal, smart and resourceful; they have few predators; and once they reach one year of age, they can have up to five offspring, called kits, each year.
Sea Turtles Sea turtles live in the Indian River Lagoon and near-shore waters, and adult sea turtles migrate here to nest on the beach. Leatherback turtles might lay their eggs as early as March, while loggerheads follow in late April or early May, and green turtles between late June and October or November. Sea turtles use the light of the Moon and stars to navigate, which means artificial lighting from street lights, buildings and flashlights can mislead them. Keep it dark – lights out for sea turtles!
Osprey
Gopher Tortoises Gopher tortoises are frequently spotted munching on grass along the road’s shoulders and occasionally crossing streets. A tortoise’s burrow offers protection from weather, fire and predators, helps the animal regulate its temperature, and shelters several other species. Because of the importance of the burrow to an entire community of species, the gopher tortoise is identified as a “keystone species,” indicating that when tortoises disappear from an area, the entire ecosystem is changed – and not for the better.
Nesting Birds Birds build nests throughout the spaceport, including on or near buildings, ground support equipment and launch facilities. Employees are encouraged to cover areas where birds should be discouraged from nesting, and to avoid removing or relocating active nests. There is no riskier time for a young bird than those days between leaving the nest and becoming a proficient flier. Predators pose the greatest threat to eggs and nestlings, while traffic is a problem for young birds that have fledged.
Data Science Kennedy is unparalleled in its diversity of plants and animals in the continental U.S. Combined with its status as a national wildlife refuge, a robust science-based program is required to meet NASA’s commitment to a sustainable environment. Enormous amounts of ecologically based data have been collected and cataloged since the early 1980s, supporting the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and facility operations requirements. This long-term commitment by NASA has elevated Kennedy to be one of the most ecologically data-rich environments in the world today. Our data scientists turn large and complex data sets into actionable management and compliance information, which in turn allows officials to make informed decisions regarding land management and infrastructure resiliency.
Green Sea Turtle
An endangered green sea turtle is released into the Mosquito Lagoon, part of Florida’s Indian River.
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Earth Day Expo
Sustainability innovations took center stage during Kennedy’s annual Earth Day celebration, held April 17-18, 2018. The two-day event was held at two spaceport locations – one day at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the next at the center’s Space Station Processing Facility – offering up plenty of opportunities for guests and employees alike to learn more about new, Earth-friendly technologies we can use to improve our own lives at work and at home. The event featured 50 exhibitors who were ready to share their expertise on a wide range of topics, including electric vehicles, sustainable lighting, renewable energy, Florida-friendly landscaping tips, Florida’s biking trails and more. Kennedy’s sustainability programs and initiatives promote green practices that improve the environment for all center employees. They also lower costs, reduce mission risk and help strengthen Kennedy’s ability to carry out its role as a multi-user spaceport.
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Students from Rockledge High School in Rockledge, Florida, make “plarn” – plastic yarn – out of used plastic bags. The plarn was donated to be woven into mats for homeless veterans. Photo credit: NASA/ Frank Michaux
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In the parking lot at Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building, a member of Goodwill Industries loads used household material for recycling during America Recycles Day. Photo credit: NASA/Michelle Stone
Employees Take Part in America Recycles Day Electronic devices such as televisions, computers and cellular telephones play a vital role in daily life. Over time, however, these modern wonders wear out. Kennedy partnered with Goodwill Industries and several other local organizations to collect these and other used household items as part of America Recycles Day. On Nov. 14-15, 2017, spaceport employees worked to keep communities around the spaceport clean and green by bringing in items for recycling and dropping them off in the parking lots of the Kennedy Data Center and Vehicle Assembly Building. While much of what was turned in was electronic waste, other items included everything from gently used household products, to greeting cards and serviceable eyeglasses. All totaled, spaceport employees made approximately 295 drop-offs. This annual event is part of a nationally recognized program sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, an organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the U.S. Every November, America Recycles Day organizers work to tell Americans about the value of not discarding unneeded items. These efforts are paying off. According to the website of Keep America Beautiful, over the past 30 years the national recycling rate in the U.S. has increased by 34 percent.
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Kennedy Individuals, Teams Honored for Substantial Sustainability Efforts at the Spaceport Two individuals received NASA Silver Medals for their FY 2018 sustainability efforts during Kennedy Space Center Honor Awards Ceremony in April 2019. Daniel Clark, Sustainability team lead, was honored for his high performance over an extended period, providing excellent leadership of Kennedy Space Center’s energy and water conservation efforts. Donald Dankert, Environmental Planning lead, was recognized for his excellent leadership and support of the center’s National Environmental Policy Act efforts over an extended period of time.
Daniel Clark receives his Silver Achievement Medal from Center Director Bob Cabana and Deputy Director Janet Petro.
Two teams and one individual award of Kennedy employees were honored with the Sustainable Environmental Awareness (SEA) Award for FY 2018: the Launch Complex 39B Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lighting Retrofit Team, the Facility Comprehensive Evaluation Audit Team, and the NASA Causeway East Launch Viewing Area Lighting Upgrades. Developed by Kennedy’s Environmental Management Branch, the SEA award recognizes exemplary achievement that advances sustainability at the spaceport. Winners are chosen by environmental committee members, who carefully assess each nomination using a variety of criteria, including innovation, impact to NASA’s mission, outreach and teamwork.
Donald Dankert receives his Silver Achievement Medal from Center Director Bob Cabana and Deputy Director Janet Petro.
There are 11 categories of the SEA Award: Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction, Sustainable Buildings, Clean and Renewable Energy, Water Management, Fleet Management, Sustainable Acquisition, Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction, Energy Performance Contracts, Electronic Stewardship, Climate Change Resilience and Tactical Support.
Launch Complex 39B LED Lighting Retrofit Team TACTICAL SUPPORT GROUP AWARD Jose Ribeiro and his team were honored for designing and implementing a fully controllable, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient lighting retrofit at Launch Complex 39B. The project was required to comply with Kennedy Space Center’s exterior lighting requirements and address minimum light pollution impact on the sea turtle nesting season. The team coordinated the approval and use of 74 amber-colored LED light fixtures to be used within the wirelessly controlled computer-based software lighting system.
Facility Comprehensive Evaluation Audit Team Water Use and Efficiency Management Group Award Mark Kavanaugh and his team received a SEA Award for identifying more than 380 energy and water conservation measures with the potential to save Kennedy over $10 million a year in utility costs. The space center is a leader in conducting energy and water audits across the agency. The innovation and approach that the Energy Management Office (EMO) has incorporated within their process could be transferred to other centers to enhance their audit program. The EMO consulted with facility managers providing energy- and water-savings opportunities and awareness that could be implemented without upfront investments.
NASA Causeway East Launch Viewing Area Lighting Upgrades Sustainable Buildings Individual Award Jose Ribeiro was rewarded for employing outstanding lighting expertise and an openness to innovation that provided a safe, environmentally-friendly, energy saving and sustainable launch viewing location. Improved lighting along the NASA Causeway East launch viewing area complies with the center’s exterior light requirements and addresses minimum light pollution impact on the sea turtle nesting season. Ribeiro worked closely with environmental, security, safety, contractors, operations and maintenance personnel, and fellow design and construction personnel to make night launch viewing safer.
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The rotating service structure is moved away from space shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A on May 14, 2011, in preparation for the shuttle’s launch on the STS-134 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin
Throughout the duration of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) was configured with shuttleunique hardware. The unique hardware consisted largely of two primary components: a fixed service structure (FSS) and a rotating service structure (RSS). The FSS provided a means to deliver commodities the shuttle needed for launch and to give technicians, engineers and astronauts access to the vehicle. The RSS facilitated payload installation operations at the pad and offered some vehicle
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protection from the elements. Prior to launch, the RSS was rotated away from the vehicle. After the shuttle program ended, LC-39A was leased to SpaceX to give the company access to a second launch pad on the Space Coast from which it could launch the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. To accommodate the Falcon Heavy vehicle, the entire RSS and key portions of the FSS, representing millions of pounds of metal, needed to be removed. Removal took place in stages, on a non-interference basis with Falcon 9 launch preparations. The
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At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, the nine engines of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roar to life in a brief static firing on Jan. 24, 2019. The test was part of checkouts prior to its liftoff for Demo-1, the inaugural flight of one of the spacecraft designed to take NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station. NASA has worked with SpaceX and Boeing in developing Commercial Crew Program spacecraft to facilitate new human spaceflight systems launching from U.S. soil with the goal of safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit destinations such as the space station. Photo credit: SpaceX
volume of scrap metal coming from LC-39A in irregular stages proved to be too disruptive for the center’s regular scrap metal contractor and was overcrowding the scrap metal staging area, which in turn slowed down RSS disassembly. To alleviate these mounting concerns, the NASA/Kennedy paper and cardboard recycling contract was modified to allow for the recycling of RSS scrap metal from LC-39A. The NASA paper recycler then subcontracted LC-39A work to the largest metal recycler in Florida, who was able to handle large volumes of scrap in surges.
KSC-RPT-8553-Rev: FY-18
Use of the paper recycling contract in this way had never been done at Kennedy before, yet the first phase went so well that additional phases were added. Eventually, the scope of work was expanded to include recycling FSS components, too. The first phase of activity began in July 2017 and the final phase was completed in August 2018. During this time, a total of 4,348,838 pounds of LC-39A metal was recycled, generating approximately $158,447 of net revenue for Kennedy. With creative thinking and a can-do attitude, this project became a big win for all parties involved.
2018 KSC Annual Sustainability Report
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration John F. Kennedy Space Center Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 www.nasa.gov NP-2019-04-684-KSC