Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division (ACESD) Laboratory

Narragansett, Rhode Island

ACESD is a state-of-the-art aquatic research facility of EPA's Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM) under the Office of Research and Development (ORD).

Sustainable Features

• The facility completed a multi-phase infrastructure replacement project (IRP) to upgrade mechanical, electrical and laboratory equipment with more efficient systems. 
• EPA developed a Sustainable Site Master Plan to provide a clear path for its phased laboratory modernization projects, which included reducing lawn mowing and replacing vegetation with native, non-invasive plant species that encourage healthy foliage growth.
• The facility has a green roof and 1,200-gallon cistern to capture excess stormwater runoff through roof drains, and ACESD reuses the water for irrigation during dry periods.
• A 5-kilowatt (kW) photovoltaic (PV) array helps offset some of the laboratory’s energy use. In FY 2022, the renewable energy system generated 3,379 kWh.
• Goats come to the facility annually to clear invasive species from the grounds.
• The facility has one Level 2 single port zero-emission vehicle charging station.
• EPA conducted a climate resiliency assessment at this facility in FY 2022.

For more information, visit the Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division website or the EPA Facility Contact List.