Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

U.S. national parks have a plan to go carbon neutral — here’s what that means for visitors

Some National Parks are going carbon-free. What does that mean for visitors?

By
View from Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah
evenfh / Adobe Stock

National Parks are a cherished part of American culture. However, with the growing threat of climate change, The National Park Service (NPS) has taken on preserving these natural wonders has taken on a new level of urgency with its groundbreaking Green Parks Plan (GPP). Now in its third edition, the plan aims to transform the national parks into one of the greenest organizations out there. This ambitious initiative outlines five key goals that collectively contribute to mitigating climate change and safeguarding the environment.

Yosemite Falls
Jeremy Lwanga / Unsplash

Be ready for these 5 Green Park Plan goals

Climate Friendly and Climate Ready

Addressing the global climate crisis requires collaborative efforts, and the NPS is leading by example. By embracing the Green Parks Plan, the NPS commits to becoming climate-friendly and climate-ready. This entails achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and renovating facilities so they are ready to withstand the attacks of mother nature.

Recommended Videos

This includes goals of achieving a 65% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030 and a 50% reduction in emissions across the NPS’s building portfolio by 2032, with a net-zero emissions target by 2045. This is complemented by initiatives to enhance carbon storage through rehabilitation and natural restoration projects.

Related

Energy Smart and Water Wise

One of the primary sources of NPS’s GHG emissions is electricity generation and fuel combustion for operations. The Green Parks Plan focuses on conserving energy, implementing renewable energy projects, and benchmarking facility-energy use. Furthermore, as changing climates may affect water availability, the NPS strives to minimize water use and adopt sustainable water supply practices. The plan’s goals include reducing overall facility energy and water use intensity while maintaining historic property standards alongside sustainability and energy conservation measures.

Buy Green and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The National Park Service (NPS) is dedicated to adopting sustainable material management practices across its operations. This involves using local and eco-friendly construction materials, minimizing waste generation, and responsibly diverting solid waste. NPS aims to comply with federal sustainable acquisition rules, incorporate sustainable requirements into applicable contracts, divert 50% of waste by 2025 and 75% by 2030, reduce waste per visitor, and phase out single-use plastics. This commitment reflects NPS’s mission to protect the environment and human health through sustainable procurement and waste reduction initiatives.

Green Our Rides

Guest transportation is one of the biggest contributors to GHG emissions. Transitioning to zero-emission transportation methods is pivotal for achieving emission-free parks. The NPS recognizes the significance of adopting zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and is actively transitioning its fleet to reflect this commitment. From highway vehicles to non-highway equipment, the NPS is embracing ZEVs and utilizing partnerships to establish electric vehicle supply networks. This transition is a critical step in realizing the net-zero emissions vision.

Foster a Sustainability Ethic

With an expansive network of national parks, a dedicated workforce, and millions of visitors, the NPS holds a unique opportunity to promote sustainability. The Green Parks Plan emphasizes fostering a sustainability ethic by engaging employees, visitors, and communities. That also means teaming up with sustainable brands! By raising awareness about sustainability and climate change, the NPS not only impacts its immediate surroundings but also cultivates a generation of environmentally conscious stewards.

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona)

What does this mean for visitors?

Once the National Park Service (NPS) successfully implements the actions outlined in the Green Parks Plan, visitors to national parks can expect a range of positive changes and experiences. These changes will not only enhance the overall visitor experience but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly park system. Here’s what visitors can expect:

  1. Cleaner Air and Scenic Beauty: With a strong focus on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, visitors can expect improved air quality in national parks. Reduced emissions from vehicles, facilities, and other sources will lead to cleaner air and better visibility, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the breathtaking vistas, landscapes, and natural beauty that parks offer.
  2. Quieter and Greener Transportation: As the NPS transitions to zero-emission vehicles, visitors can look forward to quieter and cleaner transportation within the parks. Electric vehicles produce minimal noise pollution and zero tailpipe emissions, leading to a more serene and eco-friendly park experience.
  3. Enhanced Facilities: The NPS’s commitment to being energy-smart and water-wise will result in upgraded and more efficient facilities. Visitors can expect modern amenities that consume less energy and water, leading to improved comfort without compromising on sustainability. Visitors also can expect more eco-friendly choices when it comes to amenities such as food, beverages, and merchandise.
  4. Engaging Educational Opportunities: With a heightened focus on fostering a sustainability ethic, visitors can expect enhanced educational programs and interpretive materials. Parks will provide information about sustainable practices, climate change, and environmental stewardship, encouraging visitors to learn and adopt eco-friendly behaviors both within the parks and in their daily lives.
  5. Inspiration for Future Generations: Through the NPS’s sustainability efforts, visitors, especially youth, will be inspired to become stewards of the environment. The parks will serve as living examples of how individual actions and collective efforts can make a positive impact on the planet, motivating visitors to be part of the solution to environmental challenges.

The National Park Service’s Green Parks Plan represents a monumental stride towards creating emission-free national parks and combating climate change. With its comprehensive goals, ranging from achieving net-zero emissions to promoting a sustainability ethic, the NPS is setting a shining example for organizations and individuals around the world. As we move forward, the NPS will continue to evaluate the Green Parks Plan for a greener future.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Going to Mount Rainier National Park this winter? Here’s what you should expect
No sledding this year at Mount Rainier, but here's what you can do instead
Mount Rainier National Park in the winter

Winter is almost here, and Mount Rainier National Park is gearing up for the 2024-25 winter recreation season with updates to its schedule. Starting Tuesday, November 12, new access guidelines were put in place to help visitors make the most of their winter adventures. Here’s what you need to know:
2024-25 Winter access at Mount Rainier National Park

The Paradise area will be available for four days a week, from Friday through Monday. You'll be able to drive there on these days, but the road will be closed for the rest of the week. The National Park Service has also announced that due to limited staffing, sledding will not be available anywhere in the park this winter. While this is unfortunate, there are still plenty of other activities to choose from.

Read more
How to plan your Glacier National Park visit for 2025: Reservation deadlines and key rules
Here's what Glacier National Park's new reservation system will mean for you in 2025
Hiking Glacier National Park in Montana.

Glacier National Park is one of the most gorgeous ones in the United States, so it's not a surprise that it saw almost three million visitors in 2023. Visitors can't get enough of Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, and the many lakes and glaciers in the area — the best time to visit Glacier National Park is often the busiest time. Because of the congestion in recent years, the National Park Service had previously enacted a reservation system for entry to the park as part of a pilot program. The National Park Service recently revealed this will continue in 2025, including timed entry reservations for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork — here's what you need to know.
Here's how it will look like going into 2025
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park Tevin Trinh / Unsplash
West Entrance: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Reservations required: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., June 13 – September 28.
Applies to travel beyond Apgar Village.
Entry without a reservation: Before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Exceptions: Visitors with lodging, camping, or certain commercial reservations (originating beyond Apgar checkpoint) will be allowed entry.

Read more
National parks nationwide waive entrance fees for Veterans Day
Now's the time to visit your favorite national park
West ridge of Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in the winter

This Veterans Day, national parks across the United States invite all visitors to enter free of charge in honor of the service and dedication of America’s veterans, who have played a significant role in protecting and preserving our cherished national park system. From rescuing stranded hikers to neutralizing old explosives, these veterans have gone above and beyond to serve our nation and the land we hold most dear. Today, more than 4,000 veterans are employed in the National Park Service, and they account for about 20% of the park rangers across the nation.

If you're planning on visiting one of our gorgeous national parks on Monday, November 11, keep in mind that fees for camping and other special activities will still remain in effect. It's bound to be crowded, so make sure that you make any reservations well in advance.

Read more