Logo

NREL's logo is the face of the organization and the primary touch point of its brand.

Logo Components

The logo includes two components: a graphic bug and the NREL acronym.

The NREL logo, or the actual bug, is an energy symbol using a contemporary and mechanical form. The form has evolved over time, but the meaning has remained consistent. It is a representation of an eternal, emanating, and dynamic source of energy. The mechanical form suggests our technical ability to harness this energy for the advancement of human needs. The bug represents a continuous, renewable source of innovation.

The logo components are locked into relative and cohesive positions. This configuration, also known as a logo lockup, should never be altered.

Logo Lockup: Bug + NREL

Note that the full name "National Renewable Energy Laboratory" is not part of the trademarked NREL logo. (You must create a footer containing the lab's full name on any materials that do not contain the full NREL name.)

Use of the NREL Logo

Use the NREL logo in accordance with the following guidance.

Third-Party Use of the Logo

The NREL logo may not be used as an endorsement, or implied endorsement, of any product, service, or enterprise. See below for uses that are approved, not allowed, and that require branding team review and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approval.

Authorized Use of the NREL Logo

The NREL logo may be used on:

• Printed materials or digital marketing for an NREL-hosted event
• Printed materials or digital marketing describing an event or program where NREL is a financial or in-kind sponsor
• Printed or digital materials describing an ongoing partnership with NREL where NREL is providing financial or in-kind support (e.g., a cooperative research and development agreement, a work for others agreement)

If your requested use falls outside these categories, or if you have questions about logo use, contact Stacy Buchanan before proceeding.

Unauthorized Use of the NREL Logo

You may not:

• Use the NREL name or logo to imply endorsement of a company, product, or service
• Use the NREL name or logo by an entity with whom the Alliance for Sustainable Energy LLC or the DOE do not have a formal partnership agreement or a sponsorship agreement
• Use the NREL name or logo for any use not outlined in "Authorized Use of the NREL Logo."

The logo components are locked together proportionally and should never be used separately, rearranged, condensed, or altered in any way. The NREL logo should not be modified or appropriated to fit into spaces or formats. Do not reconstruct the logo; only use the approved NREL logo.

Logo Clear Space

When using the logo, always leave clear space around it, free of text, rules, and page edges. The minimum clear space is proportional, relative to the size of the logo used, measured equally on all sides by the size of the bug.

Logo Minimum Sizes

The logo can be used at any size down to the minimums shown here.

NREL Logo in Relation to Co-Brands

The NREL logo is the main logo when used with partner logos and should be used first and in a visually higher hierarchy in relation to co-brands. Partner logos should be at minimum equal or smaller, depending on the partnership arrangement. Partner logos are never larger than the NREL logo.

Color Use

Follow this guidance for color use.

• The preferred positive color use is PMS 3005 C blue.
• The reversed version is all white over a contrasting color. It can also appear all black.
• No other color options are approved.