Performance Excellence Team Researches Conservation Options

By Ms. Lori Grein (IMCOM)February 25, 2010

Performance Excellence Team Researches Conservation Options
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. Aca,!" Travelling to an off- site location, the Performance Excellence Team searches for new and innovative approaches to conservation in an effort to capture positive changes and work practices.

Fifteen U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal team members attended the Green Meeting held by the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, sharing sustainability goals, ideas, and success stories.

Aca,!A"ItAca,!a,,cs important to build community relationships and benchmark best practices with industry to help us improve,Aca,!A? said Carrie Mead, chief of the garrison Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office.

The groups discussed cultural expectations relating to environmental stewardship and talked about opportunities to increase awareness within the community.

Aca,!A"Convenience is a factor when it comes to recycling so everyone can participate and utilize it,Aca,!A? said Philip Eddins, Hyatt Regency Dearborn senior director of engineering. Aca,!A"WeAca,!a,,cre trying to manage this.Aca,!A?

Both organizations agreed that involving the staff in brainstorming sessions is a key factor to successfully achieving environmental sustainability. Eddins explained that, although not all of the ideas (such as composting) can be immediately implemented, the Hyatt attempts to maintain a balance. Cultivating an herb garden on one of the roofs is just one of the suggestions that they are currently exploring.

Eddins conveyed the president of Hyatt HotelsAca,!a,,c environmental commitment and goals, which challenges each property to decrease energy and water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent over the next five years.

Mohammed Ikram, garrison energy manager and winner of the 31st Annual Secretary of the Army Energy and Water Management Award, shared suggestions to help the company achieve their goals. Ikram explained how small modifications, like retrofitting light fixtures with energy-efficient bulbs, can make a big difference when looking at sustainability.

Flo Trevino, garrison environmental protection specialist, also offered a variety of resources to help the Hyatt with recycling efforts.

As the teams parted, Mead offered her thanks to Eddins for his hospitality. Aca,!A"We are grateful to be included in the HyattAca,!a,,cs Green Team meeting and hear about your efforts to work towards sustainability. We pulled a number of key ideas away from our meeting and hope some of what we shared will benefit the Hyatt as well.Aca,!A?