Net Zero
What is it'
The Army's goal is to manage our resources in a sustainable manner. Net Zero is a holistic approach to addressing energy, water, and waste. The Net Zero approach is comprised of five interrelated steps: reduction, re-purpose, recycling and composting, energy recovery, and disposal.
Reduction includes maximizing facility energy efficiency, implementing water conservation practices, and eliminating unnecessary waste generation. Re-purpose involves diverting energy, water or waste to a secondary purpose with limited processes. Recycling or composting involves management of the solid waste stream, development of closed loop water system, or energy cogeneration. Energy recovery occurs by converting unusable solid waste or thermal energy from a waste water stream to energy. Disposal is the final step after the last drop of water, the last bit of thermal energy and all other waste mitigation strategies have been fully exercised.
What has the Army done'
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment (ASA (IE&E)) has developed the Army's Net Zero Installation Strategy. The goal is for installations to be net zero, based on net zero energy, net zero water and net zero waste, all striving towards sustainable installations. We are creating a culture that recognizes the value of sustainability measures in terms of financial, mission capability, quality of life, local community relationships, and preserving the Army's future options.
What efforts is the Army planning for the future'
In April 2011, ASA (IE&E) will pilot this strategy with five net zero energy installations, five net zero water installations, and five net zero waste installations with one integrated net zero installation. These installations will work to achieve Net Zero by 2020. They will become the centers of energy and environmental excellence, showcasing best practices and demonstrating effective resource management. ASA (IE&E) will then identify an additional 25 installations in each category in FY14, who will strive to achieve net zero by FY30.
Why is this important to the Army'
Net Zero is a force multiplier, enabling the Army to appropriately steward available resources, manage costs and provide our Soldiers, families and civilians with a sustainable future. In an era of persistent conflict, a true stabilizing factor can be that of appropriate resource management. The Net Zero strategy ensures that sustainable practices will be instilled and managed throughout the appropriate levels of the Army, while also maximizing operational capability, resource availability and well-being.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.asaie.army.mil/Public/IE/ " target="_blank"> The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment website </a>
Documents: <a href="http://www.asaie.army.mil/Public/IE/doc/Net%20Zero%20White%20Paper%2014%20Dec%202010%20with%20graphics%20test%20(Revised)%202.pdf" target="_blank">Net Zero - A force multiplier</a>
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