MILWAUKEE and FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — Feb. 15, 2012 — Johnson Controls and the U.S. Army announced a federal contract for energy efficiency improvements at Fort Buchanan and U.S. Army Reserve Centers in Puerto Rico. The project will save $61 million in energy and operational costs over the next 16 years and create at least 100 local jobs.
The $34.3 million Energy Saving Performance Contract executed through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Ala., will provide the post with renewable energy sources, updated lighting and other innovative systems.
The project will enhance all aspects of energy use at the post, including solar power generation, solar thermal applications, wind power generation, new indoor and exterior LED lighting, a building automation and control system to manage energy at 87 buildings and other energy efficiency improvements. Under this financial partnership, the savings generated from the improvements will fund the cost of the project. Johnson Controls is guaranteeing the estimated $61 million in savings and will reimburse Fort Buchanan for any savings not realized. The energy efficiency improvements at Fort Buchanan are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to planting more than 1,600 acres of pine forests each year.
The project will help the Army to reach its strategic energy security goals by reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency, adding sources of renewable/alternative energy, assuring access to sufficient energy supplies and reducing adverse environmental impacts.
“Fort Buchanan and the U.S. Army have truly stepped up to the energy challenge with this innovative process to create more efficient facilities, while supporting the Armys energy security goals,” said Steven Spanbauer, director, federal sales and engineering, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency.
Johnson Controls also recently announced a nearly $16 million contract with the Armys Fort Bliss for a solar photovoltaic system and energy efficiency improvements expected to save the post – spread across West Texas and New Mexico – $39 million in energy costs over the next 24 years.
Johnson Controls has implemented or is working on more than 2,500 energy savings projects. Under the federal ESPC program, Johnson Controls has implemented more than 100 projects for various agencies, including the Army, Department of Energy, Air Force, Navy, General Services Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Justice Department and Department of the Interior.
About Fort Buchanan
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan consists of 746 acres and serves a population of approximately 130,000 among veterans, retirees, civilians, military personnel and their dependents in Puerto Rico. Under the Installation Management Command Atlantic Region, Fort Buchanan supports readiness and mission execution, providing quality services and facilities, optimizing resources, sustaining the environment and enhancing the well-being of the community. As directed by the Chief of the Army Reserve, Fort Buchanans island-wide support mission consists of providing real property management and base operations support for all Army Reserve assets in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Fort Buchanan is host to a number of tenant activities, such as: 1st Mission Support Command, the Army Reserve major tenant unit, other Reserve and Puerto Rico National Guard components, Navy Reserve, Marine Reserve, Army & Air Force Exchange Services, Defense Commissary Agency, Rodriguez Army Health Clinic, Veterinarian Clinic, Defense Military Pay Office, Defense Contracting Audit Agency, TRICARE, Community Based Warriors in Transition Unit, Civilian Personnel Advisory Center, Military Entrance Processing Station, among others. Fort Buchanan also hosts a number of non-DoD organizations that provide valuable services to Soldiers, their dependants and community members, such as: Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
For additional information, please visit www.johnsoncontrols.com
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense