The Central Intelligence Agency says it’s practice of shredding and burning classified papers-often referred to in movies and books as “burn after reading”-is one of several ways the CIA conserves energy, reduces its impact on the environment, and lowers costs through its sustainability efforts. But what about the Agency’s carbon footprint? Exhaust from the Agency’s on-site incinerator generates steam to heat water at CIA Headquarters. In addition to saving fuel, that process reduces the amount of waste-which would otherwise be destined for landfills-by nearly 1,000 tons per year. The CIA increases its recycling efforts each year, annually collecting over three tons of plastic, glass, cardboard, aluminum, construction debris, and other waste.

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