Saving energy at Natick

By Bob Reinert/USAG-Natick Public AffairsJanuary 15, 2014

Saving energy at Natick
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

NATICK, Mass. (Jan. 15, 2014) -- An $8 million Energy Savings Performance Contract between U.S. Army Garrison Natick and Pepco Energy Services should more than pay for itself through a dramatic reduction in energy consumption over its 25-year term.

Improvements made to 33 buildings on the Natick installation are expected to result in annual savings of $500,000 and to reduce energy consumption by 41.7 percent by the contract's completion. The Army has established a goal of a 30-percent reduction in energy consumption by the end of fiscal year 2015, using 2003 as a baseline.

"USAG-Natick has to date been able to reduce energy consumption by 3 percent per year as mandated but would not be able to reach the total 30 percent reduction required in 2015 without embarking on this Energy Savings Performance Contract," said Russell Stokes, USAG-Natick Public Works director. "From the outset, the garrison has striven to bundle short-term energy conservation measures with long-term measures to produce a balanced project, which produces the most bang for the buck for the installation."

Natick upgrades should also have a significant, positive impact on the environment by reducing emissions.

The project, which began with a preliminary assessment in June 2012 and included a comprehensive energy audit, will be completed in October. The project will be operated and maintained for the following 23 years.

The contract will include lighting upgrades, new windows and building envelope improvements, water conservation, energy management control system upgrade, HVAC upgrades, and co-generation to produce electricity and heat.

"The ESPC will not only allow us to meet energy savings goals, but will ultimately provide a better working environment for NSSC employees," said Lt. Col. Brian Greata, USAG-Natick garrison commander. "This supports the installation master plan, as well as the vision for the long-term future of NSSC."