The Marine Corps plans to make its logistics base in Albany, Ga., the nation’s first net zero energy military base.
The project will reduce energy use, increase energy security, and meet energy demands from renewable sources. The project will include a ground source heat pump system, an 8.5-megawatt biomass-fueled, steam-to-electricity (STE) generator, high-efficiency transformers, lighting and boiler upgrades, system controls for a landfill gas electricity generator, and centralized monitoring and operation of electricity generation and distribution.
Base officials estimate efficiency measures will reduce total annual electrical consumption by 15% (7,200 megawatt-hours) annually. The base will achieve net zero status as annual energy demand will be fully met by renewable energy produced on site.
The base is comprised of 3,600 acres, nearly 400 facilities, and Marine Corps-owned and operated utility systems. Achieving net zero will be possible with the availability of renewable energy steam supply that the base will buy from a 50-megawatt biomass plant located at Procter & Gamble’s neighboring facility.
Related Stories
Smart Buildings | Jul 12, 2015
Office of Management and Budget asks agencies to consider climate change when budgeting for construction projects
For the first time, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget is asking agencies to submit budget plans that consider the effects of climate change on construction and maintenance of federal facilities.
Engineers | Jul 12, 2015
White paper explores low-flow toilets’ impact on drain lines, clogs
The research found that certain variables: toilet paper—along with the pipe slope and flush volume—are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to clog.
Contractors | Jul 9, 2015
Opioid abuse blamed for increase in worker injuries, business losses
Insurance giant CNA says concerns are increasing in the construction industry.
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2015
California Supreme Court upholds affordable housing requirements
Court cites affordable housing crisis of ‘epic proportions.’
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2015
First valuation advisory for green and high performance property adopted
The document provides voluntary guidance to appraisers on the background and competency necessary to credibly value green buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Maryland’s Prince George County turns to P3s to build green infrastructure
Over the next 10 years, the county must convert 15,000 acres of watertight surfaces—almost 5% of the county's total area—into surfaces that absorb or treat rainwater.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Philadelphia considers more incentives for green building
Developers could be allowed additional height, floor area on projects that meet benchmarks.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
LEED building at Duke University may be retrofitted to prevent bird deaths
More birds die from colliding with buildings at Duke than on any other campus in a 45-school survey conducted by Augustana College. Duke is located along the Atlantic Flyway, a bird migration route.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2015
Balcony collapse in Berkeley, Calif., prompts an examination of codes
Dry rot and too much weight appear to be the causes of a fatal accident at an eight-year-old building in Berkeley, Calif.
Codes and Standards | Jun 18, 2015
Guides to wood construction in high wind areas updated
The guides establish prescriptive, wind-resistive structural requirements for wood-frame buildings of different sizes and shapes.
