The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association recently announced the conversion from petroleum-based fuels and lubricants to bio-based products on its three Great Lakes research vessels.

“Our Great Lakes laboratory is advancing our larger mission as stewards of the marine environment, and NOAA is pleased that their efforts have again been recognized,” said Richard W. Spinrad, NOAA assistant administrator for oceanic and atmospheric research. “This effort combines our pre-eminent research in the Great Lakes with a benefit to society by operating these vessels in an environmentally friendly manner.”

The Office of the Federal Environmental Executive announced that the NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Mich., has won a White House Closing-the-Circle Award in the green purchasing category. In 2006, the initiative won an award from the U.S. Department of Energy.