The 2011 Federal Energy and Water Management Award Winners

The Federal Energy and Water Management Awards recognize individuals, groups, and agencies for their outstanding contributions in the areas of energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of advanced and renewable energy technologies at federal facilities. Winners of the 2011 Federal Energy and Water Management Awards include:

The Vandenberg Air Force Base energy conservation program uses a combination of tailored management approaches, energy efficiency projects, and aggressive energy awareness and training efforts to achieve results. Vandenberg went above and beyond Federal metering requirements by installing meters on substation circuits to identify "ghost loads." The system uses a combination of base wide area network (WAN), wireless transceivers, and fiber optics to communicate with more than 400 advanced electric, gas, and water meters across 6.6 million square feet of space. Vandenberg's tireless efforts led to a local area network (LAN)-connected energy management control system that, when combined with the automatic meter reading, will allow the base to participate in aggressive demand response programs. Vandenberg is also leading the Air Force's LED streetlight initiative, installing nearly 10,000 fixtures that save about $1 million annually. These efforts, along with building retrofits to lighting, motors, frequency drives, and controls, reduced energy intensity by 145 billion Btu in FY 2010, a 4.4% reduction from the prior year and 14% over three years. This equates to more than $3 million in annual energy savings and more than 166 thousand metric tons of avoided greenhouse gas emissions.

The Air Combat Command (ACC) team implemented a broad strategy to decrease energy demand while increasing its supply. Using the power purchase agreement (PPA) process developed for Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) and subsequently adopted as the Air Force standard, the team installed a 14.5 megawatt photovoltaic (PV) array at Davis Monthan AFB in FY 2010. These two projects generate 63 million kilowatt-hours, more than 25% of the entire Air Force renewable energy goal. ACC also developed an initiative to reuse excess solar panel equipment, installing small PV arrays at 14 other ACC bases. Looking to the future, ACC developed partnerships with two Department of Energy national laboratories in FY 2010 to assess renewable energy opportunities at every ACC base and explore developing 10 to 20 megawatts of geothermal resources at Mountain Home AFB. Through its audit and capital investment programs, ACC also awarded 67 energy conservation projects valued at $44 million in FY 2010 that saved more than 793 billion Btu. These and other projects saved a total of $4.4 million in energy costs and 353,240 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

In FY 2010, Headquarters Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the AMC Aviation Fuel Efficiency Office (FEO) successfully led a Mobility Air Forces (MAF) energy conservation effort resulting in unprecedented savings. MAF is the largest single user of aviation fuel in the Air Force, accounting for 62% of Air Force and 39% of Department of Defense aviation fuel consumption in FY 2010. The team worked to adapt strategies and management practices for the entire fleet of MAF aircraft, pursing conservation measures in anticipation of future missions that will place increasing demand on aviation fuel energy resources. To meet a goal of 10% fuel use reduction by 2015, the AMC instituted policy changes and innovative data collection methods across the full spectrum of MAF operations. In FY 2010, notable advances were achieved in aircraft performance, including increase of delivered cargo on combat flight missions, which reduced overall aircraft flight hour consumption rates. These strategies saved almost 48 million gallons of jet fuel and $131 million in FY 2010, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 515,335 metric tons annually.

The Aviation Energy Efficiency Program at the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 171st Air Refueling Wing is regarded as the benchmark aviation efficiency program in the Air National Guard (ANG) and the Air Mobility Command (AMC). Through a comprehensive management system, the base was able to leverage its investment in human capital into significant aviation fuel savings. The program looked critically at aircrew practices, mission and training validation, optimized scheduling, and aircraft utilization. By seeking out fuel-efficient training opportunities during long-range planning and mission development, the base reduced its average training flight duration by 14% in FY 2010 from FY 2006, reducing fuel used in gallons per hour by 10%. The combined effect resulted in a 22% reduction in gallons of fuel consumed on a typical flight, saving 1.5 million gallons in FY 2010. In addition, these efficiencies resulted in a 9.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of more than 1,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. The program provided data collection tools, initiatives, and training programs to numerous Mobility Air Force wings to help them achieve similar success.

The Defense Logistics Agency Installation Support at Columbus energy management team (DS-FC) cultivated comprehensive strategies that translate into real policy and infrastructure change to tailor energy saving concepts to the specific needs of its customers. The team also established an excellent climate of internal energy awareness and conservation by implementing efficiency guidelines into daily activities and providing easy and effective ways for employees to contribute. The program cornerstones include installation of energy-efficient equipment, implementation of aggressive energy conservation technologies like computerized HVAC scheduling and free cooling systems, policies ordering the shutdown of lights and HVAC equipment when not in use, and energy education programs involving base employees. As a result of its multi-faceted program, in FY 2010 DS-FC reduced energy consumption by a record 7%, water consumption by 6.9%, and vehicle fuel use by 29% all from the prior year, for combined cost savings of almost $347,000. These efforts will reduce equivalent carbon dioxide emissions by more than 39,000 metric tons annually.

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)-Energy team helped overcome obstacles to Federal agency participation in demand response programs by instituting a "master agreements" program in FY 2009 allowing Department of Defense sites to contract with independent curtailment service providers (CSPs). Since most Federal sites are unable to accept checks, DLA-Energy also negotiated with the site electric utilities to have proceeds assigned directly from the CSPs to facility electric accounts. Energy management initiatives, such as demand response, do not directly save substantial electricity, but act to conserve our limited fiscal resources and free up energy budget dollars to invest in other energy management projects. The creation of this ready mechanism to participate in demand response programs resulted in unexpectedly high Federal participation and savings. Within two years, 45 agreements were signed representing almost 170 megawatts of enrolled curtailment capacity. In FY 2010 alone, almost $4.7 million was saved through commitments to reduce electric load through short-term load reduction or the use of emergency generators. Life-cycle cost savings are estimated at more than $81.6 million.

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort is recognized for its top-down commitment to energy, water, and fossil fuel conservation reflected by the command policies, outstanding leadership, and adequate resource allocation encouraging strong program performance and an energy efficiency culture. In FY 2010, the base completed phase III of an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) focusing on initiatives to improve building efficiency and expand installation of geothermal heat pumps and solar hot water heating. The renewable energy projects alone provide more than 4 billion Btu in annual thermal and electrical generation, representing 2.4% of base energy consumption. Overall, MCAS Beaufort's program reduced energy consumption by more than 10 billion Btu in FY 2010, nearly 23% from the FY 2003 baseline and more than 6.5% from FY 2009. Savings of 5.5 million gallons of water represent a 39.5% reduction in water intensity from the FY 2007 baseline and 7.7% from FY 2009. This equates to savings of more than $136,000 in energy and water costs in FY 2010 and avoidance of more than 23,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Energy Smart Federal Partnership (ESFP) helps identify and fund energy and water efficiency projects for the Federal Powered Irrigation Districts (ID) in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The IDs are not Federal entities, but receive reserve water and power at very low rates through an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR). ESFP worked with the BOR to contract directly with the IDs to access this untapped energy efficiency market. Through master agreement awards, 10 ESFP provided technical support and financial incentives to complete large-scale canal improvement projects at five IDs in the Columbia River Basin in FY 2010. Canal lining projects and installation of variable frequency drives helped save an estimated 16 billion Btu of electrical energy and more than 2 billion gallons of water annually from reduced pumping. These projects result in more efficient use of hydropower, reducing the region's reliance on fossil fuels.

Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes (FDMCH) is a partnership created between the Department of the Army and Acts Lend Lease. The partnership is through the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, designed to provide privatized development of military family housing and asset, property, and maintenance management for the military families stationed at Fort Drum. FDMCH utilized the New York State Research and Development Authority's ENERGY STAR® Certification program to complete construction of 917 new energy efficient and environmentally sound homes in FY 2010. The FDMCH project is the largest ENERGY STAR development in New York state history. The homes include greater insulation; energy-efficient windows, equipment, lighting, and appliances; and water conserving low-flow fixtures. Operations, construction, and residential services incorporated recycling, user education, and a solid maintenance program to ensure continued energy savings. The homes will save approximately 32 billion Btu and more than $568,000 in gas and electricity costs annually over comparable leased housing.

In FY 2010, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGC) employed several strategies to meet and exceed Federally-mandated goals. Most notable, MCAGCC achieved 9.2% in renewable energy production through the implementation of photovoltaic systems totaling 2.6 megawatts (MW), utilizing a power purchase agreement to install 1.5 MW. Together, the systems are estimated to save about $350,000 per year. MCAGCC expects to have more than 10 MW installed by the end of FY 2012 toward achieving a net zero installation. MCAGCC also completed a project in FY 2010 exploring development of a closed loop geothermal system. These and other measures, including chilled water conversion and energy management control systems upgrades, contributed to FY 2010 savings of more than 56 billion Btu and 448 million gallons of water, equating to reductions of about 15% and 62% respectively from FY 2009. MCAGCC efforts saved more than $1 million in costs and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equaling more than 1,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) made particularly effective use of an often underutilized and low cost solution to saving energy. In FY 2010, the team achieved continuous commissioning of buildings through the assignment of a resource efficiency manager. Savings were realized predominantly through rescheduling of air handling units, exhaust fans, and heating coils for single shift or daytime operation versus continuous 24/7 operation. Additionally in FY 2010 a systematic steam, water, and air waste reduction program was implemented to detect and repair leaks. With an investment just over $303,000, these projects avoided more than $750,000 in energy costs and saved more than 70 billion Btu and 11.5 million gallons of water as compared to FY 2009. The efforts will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost 3,000 metric tons annually. Also in FY 2010, PSNS & IMF purchased more than 9,600 megawatt-hours of wind power from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) at no cost using available credits available under BPA's Conservation Rate Credit program.

Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) represents a model of efficient teamwork and an organizational culture committed to driving a future of greater energy independence. To sustain the program's momentum, NBPL completed a wide range of photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal, energy and water efficiency, and low-cost/no-cost energy measures in FY 2010 that will save more than 11 billion Btu and 23 million gallons of water annually. Five new PV projects generate 529 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year, and a new solar pool heating system provides 350 million Btu of thermal energy, meeting 1.6% of the base's electricity requirements. Expansion of effective irrigation controls and practices reduce potable water consumption by 20% with no impact on mission, health, safety, quality of life, or base appearance. These and other projects completed in FY 2010 help the base achieve a reduction in energy intensity of more than 32% below its energy baseline and more than 36% below its water baseline. NBPL's program is a key part of the Navy Region Southwest energy program, which emphasizes close communication and sharing of information on programs, projects, emerging technologies, and lessons learned.

Every aspect of design and construction of the 5,879 square-foot visitor center at Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge exemplifies sustainability. The building includes passive solar architecture, a cool roof, daylighting, low-e glazed windows, energy-efficient fluorescent and LED lighting, occupancy sensors, a 6.3-kilowatt grid-tied solar photovoltaic array, and a 12.5-ton ground source heat pump, all resulting in energy performance 30% better than an average building. The 19 megawatt-hours of renewable power generated offsets 13.1 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Construction materials were recycled, and low-VOC emitting carpets, paints, and adhesives provide a healthy indoor work environment. Low flow plumbing fixtures and waterless urinals conserve 3,000 gallons of water per year. Outside, use of native plants, a "no mow" lawn, stormwater containment, and porous pavement help further reduce building water use to more than 20% below current standards. The knowledge gained by this project will be shared and applied to 66 other field stations, and will help the Fish and Wildlife Service move toward net-zero buildings for every project.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Mountain-Prairie Region completed the region's first hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV)/wind energy system at Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge in FY 2010. The grid-tied system includes 15.4 kilowatts of pole-mounted single-axis adjustable solar PV panels and a 10 kilowatt horizontal axis wind turbine. The integrated system accomplished a 93% decrease in purchased electricity consumption for the headquarters building and a 33% reduction in energy intensity from the field station's FY 2003 baseline. This equates to a cost savings of approximately $4,000 per year, an energy savings of 121 million Btu, and a reduction in greenhouse gases of 25 metric tons annually. Already super-insulated and sustainably designed, the headquarters facility also completed a lighting retrofit in FY 2010 to install T-8 fluorescent lights and electronic ballasts, occupancy sensors, and LED exit lights. This project serves as a model illustrating the feasibility of renewable hybrid solar PV/wind energy systems and educating other Fish and Wildlife Service facilities about this technology.

The 9,000 square foot San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Complex was renovated in FY 2010, incorporating sustainable design measures that reduced energy consumption by 52%. Energy conserving features include double-glazed, light-bronze tinted, low-e windows and doors with innovative thermal-break frames, expansive spray foam wall and ceiling insulation, LED and T-8 fluorescent lighting and electronic ballasts, occupancy sensors, daylighting, and ENERGY STAR appliances. The propane-fired boiler was replaced with a 6-ton ductless air-source building heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system with heat recovery of the exhaust air. A solar-thermal collector with an interior heat reservoir provides 100% of the domestic hot water, and low-water-use plumbing fixtures save 5,000 gallons per year. The project saved more than 350 million Btu in FY 2010 and more than $34,000 in energy costs. The complex has become a showcase facility, ushering in more than 60,000 visitors each year to enjoy the benefits of this green building.

In FY 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard used a power purchase agreement (PPA) to install an 875 kilowatt solar photovoltaic array at Training Center Petaluma. This innovative funding vehicle allows the Coast Guard to purchase renewable energy at a contracted rate for 25 years with no upfront development costs and no responsibility for system operation and maintenance. First conceived in FY 2006, the Coast Guard team worked through several legal and contract challenges before identifying potential solutions and issuing a project solicitation in FY 2008. More than 5,200 solar panels now cover four acres and are expected to produce between 1.5 and 1.7 million kilowatt-hours annually to handle 60% of the site's electric demand. The project is the largest ground mounted PV installation in the Coast Guard, as well as the first successful PPA in the Department of Homeland Security. The Coast Guard anticipates saving $1.6 million in energy costs over the life of the PPA while preventing more than 18,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from entering the atmosphere.

The Engineering Service Section at the West Texas Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center completed a renewable energy project in June 2010 for solar photovoltaic (PV) covered parking. This innovative PV design, a more sustainable alternative to both roof and ground-mounted PV systems, is significant as it is the first project of its kind constructed at a VA medical center. The system is rated at 180 kilowatts and generates approximately 255 megawatt-hours of energy annually. It is also easily expandable and virtually maintenance free. Depending on the time of year, the system subsidizes the medical center's commercial power between 5% and 10%. The project will save a minimum of $30,000 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 176 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The PV system's high reliability and solid performance has already led the way for PV covered parking at 25 other VA medical centers and the Kirtland Air Force Base outpatient clinic.

In FY 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs Massachusetts National Cemetery, Air Force, Environmental Protection Agency, and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection partnered on a project to use 100% reclaimed water to irrigate the cemetery grounds with water from the adjacent Otis Air National Guard Base contaminated groundwater filtration system. The filtration system uses six recovery wells to remove chlorinated solvent contaminated groundwater, filters it through activated carbon, and then returns it to the aquifer. Use of the reclaimed water eliminated the need for 30 million gallons of groundwater withdrawal from the aquifer annually, resulting in a 10% increase in public water availability. Total savings will be approximately 1.8 billion gallons of water over the life of the system. This project far exceeds Executive Order 13514 potable water reduction requirements of 26% 10 years ahead of schedule and is a unique example of cooperation between three Federal agencies and one state agency to reduce potable water use.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Fort Bliss National Cemetery previously relied on the heavily over-utilized Hueco Bolson Aquifer for irrigation water. The existing water sources were often insufficient in summer, resulting in a poor landscape appearance. The project, aiming to reduce potable water use and find irrigation alternatives in the desert climate, replaced 60 acres of irrigated turf with xeriscaped areas of low water use turf, drought-resistant ground covers and trees, and water conserving mulch, resulting in one of the largest xeriscaping conversion projects on record. The new and improved irrigation system also uses a highly efficient drip/bubbler irrigation system, watering only at the location of the plant. The project reduced water use at the cemetery by 90%, saving 56 million gallons of water per year, and reduced irrigation energy use by 47%. The project saved more than $400,000 in water, energy, and maintenance costs in FY 2010. Five cemeteries located in arid regions of New Mexico and California are currently being evaluated for xeriscaping based on the project's success, and two new cemeteries were designed using features of the Fort Bliss project.

Source: http://energy.gov

December 2011