Net-Zero Energy Military Installation Achieves Mission Impossible
Achieving net zero (meaning net-zero energy consumption and zero carbon emissions annually) is an ambitious goal–-one that many say cannot be achieved on U.S. military installations with the technologies available today. The United States Coast Guard (USCG), however, recently proved this goal is well within reach at three of its sites in Puerto Rico. With HVAC and lighting retrofits, photovoltaic (PV) installations, and other energy conservation measures, these USCG sites are on the fast track to net-zero status.
The Road to Net Zero
The Coast Guard’s road to the elite net -zero status began in 2011 through an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) with Schneider Electric. With a focus on reducing energy consumption as well as enhancing energy self-sufficiency by drawing on local renewable energy sources, Schneider Electric and the USCG tailored the energy strategies for each military installation based on individual site requirements, mission, regulatory, financial, security and space restrictions. Schneider Electric retrofitted the Coast Guard’s existing facilities in Puerto Rico with aggressive energy conservation measures (ECMs) to meet its high performance goals. The ECMs implemented included: new cool-roof technologies, building automation system optimization, HVAC improvements, refurbished air handlers, water conservation measures, and lighting improvements and controls. PV systems then were installed and further offset the bases’ energy needs.