FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
On Dec. 2, 2011, President Obama released a memorandum calling on Federal agencies to enter into at least $2 billion in energy saving performance contracts with the goal of reducing their building energy use over the next two years.
An ESPC is a contracting method in which an energy services company pays the upfront investment for energy-efficiency renovations, and retrofits in exchange for payments from energy savings over time. The savings are guaranteed by the energy services company.
The 733d Civil Engineering Division at Fort Eustis, Va., was ahead of the president's memorandum, and by the end of 2010, the 733rd CED had implemented two separate ESPC projects.
Since 2010, the projects have saved a measured and verified total of more than $3.3 million in energy and water costs. This amount exceeds the guaranteed amount of savings. The projects have also saved more than 76 million gallons of water.
The projects included energy and water conservation measures such as:
· Boiler and chiller replacement
· Heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment replacement
· Building envelope improvements (insulation, door and window sealing)
· Energy Management and Control System upgrades
· Direct digital controls
· Infrared heating
· Energy efficient lighting upgrades
· Solar tracking skylights
· Solar thermal water heating
· Swimming pool covers
· Water conservation retrofits (toilet & urinal flush valves, sink aerators and shower heads)
The projects meet their goals of reducing energy usage, and renewing infrastructure with guaranteed savings and without the need for capital funds. The projects also accomplished their goal of improving Soldier, Airman and facility personnel comfort.
Additionally, the projects also contributed to the installation meeting the federal energy and water reduction mandates, including the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and Executive Order 13423.