Sustainability in the National Park Service

Since its inception in 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) has become a world leader in protecting natural and cultural resources, preserving many of the country's greatest treasures and serving as a model for sustainable resource management. The NPS’s sustainability successes are the result of initiatives at all levels of the agency; the NPS Park Facility Management Division, individual regions, parks, and park visitors are all vital to implementing sustainable practices servicewide.

Within national parks, the NPS must also manage the largest number of constructed assets of any civilian agency in the federal government, including a range of structures, maintained landscapes, trails, and utility systems. Explore the pages below to learn more about NPS sustainability initiatives and commitment to environmental stewardship.

 

Green Parks Plan
Green Parks Plan

The Green Parks Plan shares the National Park Service sustainability vision and road map for sustainable operations.

electric vehicle parked in front of a visitor center
Sustainability in the News

Sustainability in the News

Be Energy Smart & Water Wise
Be Energy Smart & Water Wise

Achieve net-zero water use and net-zero energy for facilities and operations.

Recycle and trash containers located at a national park.
Be Climate Friendly and Climate Ready

Be Climate Friendly and Climate Ready

Buy Green & Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Buy Green & Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Achieve net-zero waste and sustainable procurement

Foster a Sustainability Ethic
Foster a Sustainability Ethic

Engage the NPS workforce, partners, visitors, stakeholders and communities to support and participate in sustainability.

Park structure built next to a lake.
Climate Friendly Parks

The NPS will track and monitor GPP progress.

Last updated: June 28, 2023