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.
Sustainability in the National Park Service
Green Parks Plan
The Green Parks Plan shares the National Park Service sustainability vision and road map for sustainable operations.
Climate Change Resiliency
To preserve historically and culturally significant assets for future generations, the NPS is working to foster climate change resiliency.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a green and efficient option for both NPS fleet vehicles and for visitors traveling to and within national parks
Solid Waste Reduction
To ensure a more sustainable future for the national parks, the NPS has taken steps to reduce the amount of waste generated at parks.
Climate Friendly Parks
CFP provides parks with the tools and resources to address climate change and ensure the most sustainable operations across the Service.
Sustainability News
View the real-time news feed below for official NPS news releases related to sustainability and green parks topics.
Get Involved
To help visitors enjoy and appreciate national parks sustainably, many parks have produced park-specific sustainability tips and guidelines.
Last updated: April 23, 2021