CERN scientists hunt for greener gases

Abstract

Scientists turned off the world’s largest particle accelerator in December. This planned, 3-year shutdown at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will let staff make repairs and upgrade the accelerator so it can collect more detailed data about fundamental particles in our universe. Researchers at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research), which operates the accelerator, are also using the shutdown as an opportunity to improve the facility’s environmental footprint. To perform correctly, some of the LHC’s key equipment relies on gases known to contribute significantly to global warming. These gases are either vented to the atmosphere purposely, or they leak from instruments, making it to the outside air accidentally. CERN scientists are working to reduce the lab’s contributions to climate change by plugging up leaks and, in some equipment, replacing the most pernicious greenhouse gases with less problematic alternatives. They hope their efforts can serve as a blueprint for other