FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker constantly strives to make itself a better home for Soldiers and their Families, officials said.

Last month, the installation was recognized during the Army Installation Management Symposium in San Antonio, Texas, for its efforts to reduce energy consumption. The installation also won an ACOE runner-up award.

That level of commitment is what makes receiving an Army Communities of Excellence Exemplary Practice award so special, said Col. James A. Muskopf, Fort Rucker garrison commander.

"Energy conservation is something we have to get after, not just here at Fort Rucker, but around the country," Muskopf said. "Going forward, we can look at the things we've done successfully and not-so-successfully and make improvements that will help make (the installation) an even better place."

The ACOE award was created to recognize achievements in the performance improvement within the Army. Today, the ACOE program recognizes U.S. Army garrisons for high performance in achieving the IMCOM Installation Management Campaign Plan goals that contribute to delivering more value to customers, promote best management techniques and embed a cost-conscious culture that ensures the future success of the organization.

For 2011, the ACOE application process focused on the ways and means through which garrisons implemented the IMCP's six Lines of Effort.

Fort Rucker was awarded and Exemplary Practice Award for its efforts in two LOEs: Installation Readiness and Energy Efficiency and Security.

The award also came with a check for $50,000, which was awarded to Fort Rucker at the Army Installation Management Symposium in San Antonio last month.

The installation hasn't determined what the money will be used for exactly yet, but it will be used to make improvements to the post, Muskopf added.

According to the award nomination write up from Fort Rucker's Plans, Analysis and Integration Office, Fort Rucker reduced energy consumption between 2.7 and 3 percent each year since 2005, a savings of $420,000. This was in accordance with the Energy Management and Efficiency Project Executive Order 13423.

"That the installation was able to place at such a high level validates the hard work that's gone into making Fort Rucker better," said Cynthia Ranchino, PAIO lead plans specialist. "The efforts that were put forth, as a garrison, have paid off. Progress has been made, and is continuing to be made."

While the work that's been done so far has greatly improved the installation, Deena Jones, PAIO director, said the work is far from over.

"We are still working on improving the other LOEs and getting things ready for next year's packet," she said. "The work never stops. It's an ongoing process."

Fort Rucker also placed as a runner-up installation for its efforts in all other categories, which Muskopf said is a testament to how good a place the installation is to live and work. However, he said the work to make the post even better never stops.

"We didn't get one of those gold, silver or bronze awards this time, but we are making progress and we will continue to do so," he added.