Environment

The underground location of the the experimental apparata is indispensable to conduct research activities which, in order to be carried out, require protection from the rain of cosmic rays: the so-called "cosmic silence". Being located inside the Gran Sasso Massif, the Laboratories pay great attention to the territory: the main objective is to guarantee the protection of people and the environment.

One of the primary missions of LNGS is to develop the knowledge of nature in its most intimate structure while respecting nature itself: research cannot take place without an absolute guarantee of the sustainability of its activities, in the territory and over the time.

The environmental responsibility of the Laboratories involves National and International Collaborations ensuring compatibility between the research activities and the protection of the environment and the territory. From the design, each experiment is evaluated throughout its entire life cycle, with the aim of guaranteeing sustainable development, while respecting the territory.

In order to ensure high environmental standards, LNGS has defined a Policy implemented through an Environmental Management System (EMS): since 2002 the LNGS have been certified in accordance with the standard UNI EN ISO 14001, the international standard relating to environmental management system. 

The purpose of adopting the Environmental Management System is to accomplish Environmental Policy, to handle environmental aspects related to the activities and to achieve an improvement of environmental performances.

The main objectives concern:

• PREVENTION: the Laboratories carry out a preventive environmental and safety assessment, implementing all the appropriate measures, such as structural interventions, technical solutions, management procedures and operating instructions.
• SUSTAINABILITY: the development of research projects within the laboratories is the basis that allows us to look to the future.
• EDUCATION AND TRAINING: the Laboratories promote awareness and training of all the personnel on environmental aspects, so that everyone actively collaborates in the commitment to the environment.
• CONSTANT COLLABORATION: the environmental commitment of the Laboratories combines compliance with regulations in constant collaboration with local institutions and control bodies to define suitable prevention and protection protocols.
• CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: The Laboratories are committed to preserving natural resources through the activation of important environmental programs. An environmental monitoring laboratory, enhanced over time, continuously verifies the quality of the water flowing from the underground laboratories.

POLITICA AMBIENTALE