The Army Corps of Engineers in Huntsville is not behind the gates of Redstone Arsenal, but as part of Team Redstone they work with installations all over the world.
Their goal with the Energy Savings Performance Contracts Program is to meet energy reduction requirements for the Army on deadline and without any additional cost.
"The Army is like a big corporation. We have buildings and facilities worldwide," said Michael Norton, Energy Division Branch Chief. "Our cost of doing business is not just the weapons and the fighting part, it's also maintaining the buildings."
Will Irby is a project manager for the program, which is active on Army Garrisons around the world.
"Our job is to come in and reduce the Army's consumption and ultimately reduce the Army's utility bill," said Irby.
The program uses private companies to outfit Army buildings with more efficient systems and also add renewable energy, like solar and wind power.
"They go in with an open book and a blank canvas to the installation and identify any project they can find that will cash flow and make it financially viable," Irby explained.
Some examples of improvements include new energy-efficient windows, lighting systems, temperature controls and solar arrays.
The contractors are motivated to save the Army money, because they are paid back over time for their work out of the money the Army saves in utility costs. That payback period can last up to 25 years. In operating with private financing, the Army isn't using additional taxpayer dollars to perform energy upgrades.
"It's very rewarding seeing projects come to fruition. You know that you're saving the Army money and in the end you're supporting the war fighter. Which is what we're all here to do is to support our soldiers," Irby said.
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