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Taking Measure Blog Posts

Energy efficiency

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photo of a house. Solar panels on the roof.

That House on the Hill: Bringing Measurement Science Home

February 15, 2019
Bill Healy
When people ask NIST employees what they do, we often rely on the somewhat nebulous term “measurement science.” To many in the technical community, NIST’s role in measurement science is clear because they are often surrounded by instruments that bear some sort of NIST-traceable calibration
Two deer silhouetted against the dawn in front of one of NIST Gaithersburg's small lakes

Earth Day 2018: NIST’s Commitment to Sustainability

April 20, 2018
Robert “Skip” Vaughn
As Earth Day 2018 approaches, I think about what my role as the NIST Chief Sustainability Officer entails, but also what we have accomplished as an organization toward promoting sustainability and what more we can do. This year’s theme for Earth Day is “End Plastic Pollution.” As part of our normal
Two men standing in lab

A Smart Window to Sustainable Development: A Scientist’s Story

December 1, 2016
Martin Green
I think curiosity is at the root of all scientific careers. That, and insecurity. In my formative years, I felt compelled to assign a rational explanation to everything. I didn’t know it then, but I was practicing to be a scientist—and having lots of fun. I remember entertaining numerous