EM leaders are working with their counterparts in the U.K. and Canadian cleanup programs to highlight their commitment to sustainability and climate resilience in managing and remediating nuclear sites as the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) gets under way this week in Glasgow, Scotland.

The collaboration among EM, the U.K.’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), and the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is taking place under a framework provided by a Statement of Intent the three parties signed in March 2020 to cooperate and share information on management of radioactive waste and cleanup of nuclear installations.

The three organizations released a joint statement expressing their commitment to sustainability as the COP26 convened.

Sustainability touches every aspect of legacy cleanup, and the organizations reiterated their dedication to continually reexamine policies, practices, and objectives to ensure sustainability in outcomes at their mission sites.

Future collaborative efforts by EM, NDA, and AECL will focus on decarbonizing operations and supporting national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero; decommissioning and remediating nuclear sites in the most effective, efficient, and sustainable way; minimizing waste and reducing the consumption of natural resources through the reuse, repair and repurposing of assets; and embedding behaviors that promote sustainability within workforces and supply chains.

Other cooperative efforts will center on maintaining decommissioning and waste management capabilities that are enduring and adaptable to change; managing the socioeconomic impacts from nuclear cleanup missions to encourage diverse and resilient economies and thriving, inclusive communities; working with stakeholders and tribal nations to gain their trust and support for beneficial use of released land; and enhancing biodiversity and environmental net gain.

COP26 ends Nov. 12.