#SustainableMilitaryInstallations

[thxnews]

DOD's $55 Million Boost for Energy Efficiency

Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for Military Installations

A Major Step Toward Energy Efficiency The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced a significant investment of over $55 million in federal grants. This funding is earmarked for projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and resilience at military bases worldwide. These initiatives are part of a broader, concerted effort to modernize base infrastructures and reduce the environmental footprint of military operations.   Expanding Global Energy Projects The allocated funds will benefit eight projects across various branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Washington headquarters services bases. Notably, these projects extend beyond the United States, with the U.S. Army Garrison in Wiesbaden, Germany, also receiving support. This global scope underlines the DOD's commitment to energy efficiency on an international scale.   Collaborative Federal Effort This initiative is part of a larger Department of Energy program, which has allocated more than $104 million to 31 projects across 11 federal agencies. The program's goal is to aid federal facilities in implementing cutting-edge energy conservation technologies, marking a significant investment in the future of sustainable government operations.  

A new 350-kilowatt-hour solar array was installed near the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Photo by Cynthia Griggs, Hill Air Force Base. MOD.  

Deputy Defense Secretary’s Vision

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks emphasizes the grants as an opportunity for the DOD to enhance its operational capabilities and energy resilience. She stresses the importance of providing modern and efficient facilities to support the nation's defenders and their families. Hicks notes, "Our buildings support where people live, where our forces, allies, and partners train, and where our families raise and educate their children."   The department advances these priorities while minimizing environmental impact. Hicks adds, "These investments in energy resilience align with our military needs. The department's focus on resilience enables us to secure our critical infrastructure and capabilities and mitigates risk to our forces."   Energy Secretary’s Endorsement Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm, joining Hicks, underscored the importance of federal agencies leading by example in decarbonizing the economy. Granholm highlighted the Pentagon, the world's second-largest office building, as a starting point for energy-efficient initiatives.   DOD’s Iconic Headquarters Project Among the funded projects, $10 million will be invested in improving the energy footprint of the Pentagon. This includes HVAC recommissioning, heat pump installation, and the installation of solar infrastructure. These measures not only enhance energy efficiency but also ensure uninterrupted power supply, contributing to the mission, operations, and resilience of the Pentagon.   Spotlight: Tackling Cybersecurity Threats The DOD's efforts are crucial in defending against cyber and other threats to critical civilian energy infrastructure. By improving energy resilience, the DOD can better protect against these evolving threats.  

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks greets Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm at the Pentagon, Jan. 17, 2024. Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders. MOD.  

Other DOD Awardees

The grants also support similar energy projects across the services, including: - Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama - Air Force Office of Energy Assurance, Indian Springs, Nevada - U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Directorate of Public Works, Germany - Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina - Commander, Navy Region Northwest, Oak Harbor, Washington - Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, Kings Bay, Georgia - Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, Millington, Tennessee   A Sustainable Future The DOD's investment in energy efficiency is a landmark step in ensuring the sustainability of military operations. These initiatives not only improve operational capabilities but also signify a shift toward a more responsible and environmentally conscious approach to defense.   Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense. Read the full article