Logos

Avoid the use of partner logos on NREL.gov. 

Legal Considerations 

Department of Energy web policies prohibit the endorsement or implied endorsement of third parties via text, links, or logos. Linking is allowed to the websites of partners with signed partnership agreements, but the relationship representation must always be factually correct. 

In the case of NREL.gov, the burden of reviewing, evaluating, and maintaining the appropriate representation of third-party/partner agreements is large. In addition, company logos and partnership agreements routinely become outdated, and our legal ability to link or use those logos also becomes outdated. To avoid ongoing maintenance, and better allocate the resources associated with this maintenance, do not use links or logos but instead feature the confirmed partner company’s name in text. 

Technical Considerations 

Image files are a major contributor to webpage file size and download time, which, in turn, affect accessibility, equity, and commercial search rankings. The use of logos, and their contribution to page file size, negatively impacts all of the above. In their place, photography can be optimized to file sizes that do not negatively impact performance.   

Brand Considerations

The NREL logo should be the brand focus of pages on NREL.gov. Using additional logos decreases clarity. Partner logos may be used in targeted products such as fact sheets and outreach materials that include detailed information about partner relationships. 

Visual interest on a webpage should start with relevant, current, high-quality, people-focused photography. This “brand in action” approach tells a more complete story about NREL’s mission at work in the real world. 

Note that, in some cases, such as within NREL’s partnership activities, using a current partner’s logo may enhance understanding and awareness of the activity and NREL’s mission. In these circumstances, additional logos may be considered. 

Exceptions

To request an exception to logo use not addressed below, contact the NREL Brand Team.

NREL-Developed Intellectual Property Logos 

NREL-developed intellectual property such as tools, models, databases, and code, can—in specific circumstances—develop an individual brand and logo. Work with your NREL communications partner or Stacy Buchanan to determine if your intellectual property meets these criteria. NREL-developed logos are approved for use on the NREL.gov website. 

See an example NREL intellectual property logo on the ResStock webpage.