Fort Detrick's Journey to Sustainability - looking to the future

By Rusty KreitzMarch 26, 2009

Fort Detrick's journey to sustainability recently took a few more big steps forward.

The U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Detrick, Md., in coordination with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command, met and approved the initial long-term goals and objectives of the five sustainability teams (Workforce, Well-Being and Community Outreach, Business Practices, Services, and Infrastructure and Utilities) that were formed in July 2008.

After a series of workshops and team meetings, the five teams presented detailed action plans, measures and targets designed to ensure that Fort Detrick can continue to accomplish its mission, with the support of the community, and without adverse impacts to the environment.

The Army calls this Mission, Community, and Environment approach the Triple Bottom Line.

Fort Detrick personnel involved with the sustainability effort also met and exchanged ideas with representatives from Frederick County, the City of Frederick, and Frederick Community College.

This exchange will result in continuing collaboration and new partnerships in promoting and enabling sustainability.

Garrison commander, Col. Judith Robinson, says that sustainability is the over-arching umbrella, under which, all our planning efforts are aligned, linked, and integrated.

It is imperative that we plan for the future and take actions now to ensure that Fort Detrick remains a valued asset to the community and our nation.

The way ahead for the installation's sustainability efforts will include additional opportunities for expanded community and mission partner participation.

Sustainability planning is also underway for the Forest Glen Annex in Silver Spring, Md.

Fort Detrick is planning to conduct a community kick-off meeting in the near future to help expand sustainability awareness and involvement throughout the installation and community.

Finally, Fort Detrick also plans to conduct, in collaboration with the community, periodic sustainability conferences to report on the installation's progress, continue the exchange of ideas, and promote sustainability throughout the region.