WASHINGTON (Army News Service, July 5, 2013) — The Department of Energy named the Army as recipient of two Federal Energy Management Program awards, July 3, 2013.
The awards recognize individuals, groups and agencies for outstanding contributions toward energy and water management at federal facilities.
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
Christine Hull, chief of the operations and maintenance division within the public works directorate at Fort Bragg, N.C., received the “Exceptional Service Award” for being a leader in conservation and best practices.
Among her many achievements, she developed a web application system that monitors energy usage throughout the installation. This smart-metering technology will result in average energy savings of more than $2 million a year once all buildings are so equipped.
Hull has also led the effort to install other green technologies in buildings throughout Fort Bragg, resulting in annual expected energy savings of 25 percent for barracks and 65 percent for other structures on one of the Army’s largest installations.
Despite unprecedented growth over the past decade at Fort Bragg, a 65 percent increase in building space and 36 percent increase in population, the post’s energy consumption increased by just 12 percent over that time.
SUPERIOR PROGRAM
The directorate of public works at Fort Carson, Colo., received the “Superior Program Award” for a number of energy efficiency projects.
Energy usage for the post was reduced by 1.5 percent from fiscal year 2011 to fiscal year 2012. Additionally, water usage decreased by two percent during that same period, despite a severe drought.
Those efficiency efforts are saving Fort Carson more than $267,000 each year in utility costs and the post is working toward the Net Zero goal of producing as much energy on site as it consumes.
Among the achievements cited in the award are:
— A water leak detection survey was completed last year for about 20 percent of the post, where the oldest water lines are located. The survey found 57,000 gallons a day were lost due to leaks. Repairs were made at a cost of $50,000, with savings of water per year totaling $72,000.
— A computerized weather-tracking system that uses GPS was installed to monitor lawn and garden irrigation systems. If the system detects rain, saturated ground or high winds, it will prevent the sprinklers from operating or shut them down if they are already running.
— At a number of post facilities, energy-saving features were installed including tinted glazing; waterless urinals; lighting sensors and timers; and more efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
Cited in the Superior Program for noteworthy accomplishments are Kate Anderson, Scott Clark, Matthew Ellis, Vincent Guthrie and Mark Hunsicker.