SCRS functions as both a framework, to be used in conjunction with DOE sites’ Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and as an environmental stewardship performance rating system.  It is designed to catalyze long-term planning, design and delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure, facilities, and ecosystems at DOE sites.

SCRS, including the Guidance and the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), is a decision support resource for DOE sites.  DOE site personnel charged with sustainability, resilience and environmental stewardship responsibilities are encouraged through SCRS to collaborate and problem-solve to reach SCRS goals.
 

SCRS program content is composed of environmental stewardship measures organized into 15 categories and component subcategories.  Sites can achieve progressive performance tiers of Initiating, Optimizing and Leading, which are available at the category and whole-site level, for recognition as a DOE Climate-Ready Site.  The measures comprising SCRS program content are assigned weighted point values based on their status as a regulatory requirement; the relative difficulty of accomplishing the measure; and the objective or demonstrable environmental benefit of achieving the measure.

1. AIR QUALITY

• 1.1 Emissions
• 1.2 Accounting
• 1.3 Research and Implement Alternatives
• 1.4 Addressing New Sources

2. CARBON-POLLUTION FREE ELECTRICITY

• 2.1 Management Approach
• 2.2 Goals and Performance
• 2.3 Metering and Monitoring
• 2.4 Innovation and Emerging Solutions
• 2.5 Culture and Internal Communication

3. CULTURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION

• 3.1 Comprehensive Inventory
• 3.2 Relationship with Tribes
• 3.3 Historic Preservation

4. ENERGY MANAGEMENT

• 4.1 Management Approach
• 4.2 Energy Efficiency Goals and Performance
• 4.3 Metered Energy Data
• 4.4 Innovation and Emerging Solutions
• 4.5 Culture and Communication

5. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

• 5.1 Integration of Environmental Justice into Site Practices and Programs
• 5.2 Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
• 5.3 Environmental Justice Tools

6. FLEET MANAGEMENT

• 6.1 Fleet Performance Goals & Requirements
• 6.2 Infrastructure
• 6.3 Communication and Culture

7. FLUORINATED GHGS AND OZONE-DEPLETING SUBSTANCES

• 7.1 Training
• 7.2 Accounting
• 7.3 Research and Implement Alternatives
• 7.4 Addressing New Sources

8. HABITAT QUALITY

• 8.1 Targets + Best Practices/Ecosystem Health
• 8.2 Habitat Monitoring
• 8.3 Integrated Natural Resource Plans
• 8.4 Landscape Conservation Areas
• 8.5 Species Stewardship Policy
• 8.6 Management Tools
• 8.7 Partnerships
• 8.8 Innovative and Emerging Solutions

9. POLLUTION PREVENTION

• 9.1 Procurement
• 9.2 Radiological and Chemical Processes
• 9.3 End of Life
• 9.4 Inventory
• 9.5 Emerging Contaminants
• 9.6 Culture and Communication

10. RESILIENCE

• 10.1 Management Structure/ Organization
• 10.2 Performance Goals and Financial Incentives
• 10.3 Planning Scope
• 10.4 Innovative and Emerging Solutions
• 10.5 Culture and Internal Communication

11. SUSTAINABLE ACQUISITION

• 11.1 GreenBuy Awards
• 11.2 GreenSpace Awards
• 11.3 Contract Language

12. SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

• 12.1 Guiding Principles for Federal Sustainable Buildings
• 12.2 Building Ecological Impact
• 12.3 Net Zero Emissions

13. SUSTAINABLE RESILIENT REMEDIATION

• 13.1 Site Leadership Engagement and SRR Procurement Practices
• 13.2 Environmental, Social, and Resilience Impacts
• 13.3 Energy
• 13.4 Air and Atmosphere
• 13.5 Water
• 13.6 Materials and Waste
• 13.7 Land and Ecosystems

14. WASTE MINIMIZATION AND DIVERSION

• 14.1 Management Approach
• 14.2 Waste Minimization Goals & Performance
• 14.3 Monitoring/Data Tracking
• 14.4 Innovative and Emerging Solutions
• 14.5 Culture and Communication

15. WATER MANAGEMENT

• 15.1 Management Approach
• 15.2 Water Efficiency Goals and Performance
• 15.3 Metered Water Data
• 15.4 Innovation and Emerging Solutions
• 15.5 Culture and Communication

DOE sites' EMSs are the starting point for setting goals, whether the goal is to achieve a certain performance level within SCRS for the site, for a category, or to accomplish a particularly difficult single measure.  Sites are expected to annually evaluate their EMS aspects lists for alignment with SCRS-specific elements, and otherwise to manage any SCRS-driven measures or goals using EMS processes and principles of continual improvement.  Sites are expected to apply their EMSs as the management framework for SCRS-aligned measures/objectives wherever possible.  

The Self-Assessment Tool framework and Guidance are a guide to help DOE site sustainability, environmental compliance and natural resource managers assess and measure the extent to which their planning processes and projects contribute to conditions of sustainability, resilience and ecosystem health and support mission assurance at DOE site operations.  SCRS is an evolving program, to be informed over time by DOE site feedback.  Accordingly, SCRS Guidance is a "living document" intended to provide supportive resources and examples.  Creativity and innovation are encouraged.  Definitions for terms and concepts discussed in the Self-Assessment Tool are also included.  SCRS Guidance is available to DOE Sites on the SCRS SharePoint Site, hosted by the Office of Sustainable Environmental Stewardship.

SCRS Fact Sheet 

Milestones for Participating DOE Sites:

• Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2022 – Complete and submit initial SCRS Self-Assessment
• December 2022 – June 2023 - Complete planned actions
• Week of April 17th - SCRS Earth Week Roundtable
• Participate in scheduled Site Support meetings with EHSS
• June 2023 - Begin final Self-Assessment
• Aug 1 – Sept 29, 2023 – Complete and submit final Self-Assessment
• First quarter FY24: Participants recognized; top performers announced

• E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, establishes a Government wide approach to the climate crisis, including a policy to reduce climate pollution; increase resilience to the impacts of climate change; protect public health; conserve U.S. lands, waters, and biodiversity; and deliver environmental justice. 
• E.O. 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability, sets aggressive sustainability goals centered around a transition to carbon pollution-free energy, zero emissions fleets and buildings, and accelerated energy and water efficiency.  
• E.O. 14072, Strengthening the Nation's Forests, Communities, and Local Economies requires agencies to restore and conserve mature forests and to identify key opportunities for greater deployment of nature-based solutions, including through potential policy, guidance, and program changes. 

DOE’s Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan and its Conservation Action Plan respond to the above Executive Order requirements while acknowledging the link between climate resilience and maintaining ecosystem health.  SCRS supports implementation of these plans.