Who we are

In late 1998, Dr. Gerold Yonas, the visionary head of the Advanced Concepts Group at Sandia National Laboratories, created the Bi-National Sustainability Laboratory (BNSL) to foster “sustainable economic development through the appropriate application of technology” to benefit the people of Mexico and the United States.  

The US-Mexico Chamber of Commerce was among the first to enthusiastically work with Dr. Yonas who among his many achievements was the US Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service. 

Almost a quarter of a century later, BNSL has more than met Dr. Yonas’ expectations of creating new small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthening existing ones, resulting in increased numbers of high-paying jobs by bringing new advanced technologies to commercial fruition.   

BNSL has succeeded because of the focused public-private partnerships it creates.     Originally conceptualized as a “virtual” organization, BNSL today maintains offices in Irving and Houston, TX and Washington, DC among other locations.

The BNSL has tackled such complex issues as droughts and agriculture, the security of commerce, workforce development, access to health care, border stability and the impact of globalization on workers.   OxacaWind is the latest and possibly the largest of many challenges undertaken by BNSL.    BNSL is proud to say that Dr. Yonas will be an active participant as BNSL bring offshore floating wind energy to North America.