WASHINGTON - Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and the Environment, has issued a new policy memorandum on high-performance green building standards for the Army. “Energy security, sustainability, and efficiency are national security imperatives. This policy supports the Army’s global missions in a cost-effective, safe and sustainable manner that will benefit Army soldiers, families, and the entire nation,” said Hammack.

The memo, Memorandum for Sustainable Design and Development Policy Update (Environmental and Energy Performance) (Revision), changes the way the Army will approach efficient design of Army facilities. Requirements throughout the planning, programming, budgeting, design and building stages are expected to strengthen the Army’s sustainability, energy security, and energy independence through more responsible consumption and planning.

The Army said incorporation of sustainable design and development principles, following guidance as detailed in American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 189.1, will reduce water and energy consumption, optimize energy efficiencies and performance, and reduce negative impacts on the environment. Strategies will include siting, cool roofs, solar water heating, storm water management, and water efficiency. Options will be investigated and documented for each project to evaluate the Army’s ability to utilize renewable and alternative power sources for its installations.

Commissioning, measurement, and third-party verification are also required to track progress and identify opportunities for further improvement. Lifecycle-cost analyses will be mandatory to promote best business practices.

While the overall benefits gained through efficiencies and reduced consumption will vary based on location, buildings in compliance with the new policy are expected to yield significant energy savings for the Army over current construction standards. Preliminary analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates energy savings over current design of as much as 45 percent or greater.

For more information, contact Dave Foster, Army Public Affairs, at dave.foster1@conus.army.mil.

Publication date: 11/29/2010