An electronic design guideline for incorporating pollution prevention into U.S. Department of Energy design projects

The Pacific Northwest Laboratory has developed a prototype pollution prevention electronic design guideline (EDG) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Waste Minimization Division (EM-334). The EDG contains a database of 267 opportunities to incorporate pollution prevention features into DOE design projects. Each opportunity provides supporting data that help the decisionmaker (designers, engineers, and project managers) evaluate the applicability and potential benefits of implementing pollution prevention in their particular project. The EDG`s database was derived from both DOE and non-DOE sources including pollution prevention literature, industrial design personnel, and federal, state, and DOE sources. A key feature of the tool is the integration of photos, illustrations, and documentation to provide easy access to technical information on specific waste minimization opportunities in design. Historically, pollution prevention activities within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have focused on existing process waste streams. However, it is estimated that 70% of the cost over the life of a product is fixed by design (i.e., before the product is constructed or used). In recognition of this pollution prevention opportunity, the DOE has funded the Hanford Site to incorporate it into the design of new products, processes, and facilities across the complex. Hanford Site contractors are now beginning their third year of leading this activity for DOE Headquarters (HQ)