Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) has earned the Secretary of the Navys (SECNAV) Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Energy Conservation and Water Management Platinum level award for FY 2016 environmental accomplishments.
FRCSWs efforts recognized by the Platinum level category designates a an outstanding energy and water conservation program, with an exceptional year for energy project execution.
The award is primarily based upon a reduction in utility consumption, noted FRCSW Energy Program Manager Benjamin Green.
During FY 17, the command reduced its combined use of electricity, natural gas and steam by 11.5 percent per square foot from an FY 15 baseline.
Green said that much of the utilities and energy reduction may be attributed to the formation of Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC).
An ESPC is a contract between a federal agency and an energy provider, and does not require congressional funding or up-front capital. ESPCs enable agencies to make facility improvements while simultaneously gaining reduction in energy expenditures.
Energy providers or contractors and new equipment are paid through the energy savings costs generated by the ESPC. Additional energy savings beyond that belong to the agency.
FRCSW established four major ESPCs during FY 16 which addressed lighting and lighting controls; compressed air decentralization and upgrades to the Navy Primary Standards Laboratory heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); an HVAC retrofit to the calibration laboratory; and water conservation efforts.
The ESPC lighting upgrade included a retrofit of high bay 1,000 watt lamps in the Building 466 paint complex with dual occupancy photocell sensor LEDs, and a retrofit of more than 2,300 fluorescent fixtures with LEDs and occupancy sensors in three other buildings.
Totaling approximately $1,945,661, the lighting retrofits and upgrades will save almost $200,000 annually and over 1,348,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
Work to the Navy Primary Standards Laboratory in Building 379 included removal of a single pass water system with a new chiller and boiler system. A solar thermal system for preheating the boiler and hot water heaters was also installed.
Installation of an upgraded wind tunnel system with a variable-frequency drive (VFD) and an energy management control system was added to the lab, as well.
The compressed air decentralization ESPC will garnish more than $1,290,000 in annual savings through the installation of 19 new compressed air plants throughout the command. The consequent air use reduction will exceed 323,160 kCF per year.
A comprehensive HVAC retrofit to Building 463 included the addition of a new chiller that uses oil-free centrifugal compressors and a VFD, and the replacement of 30 rooftop air handlers and conditioners with new efficient units. The move will result in a utility savings of approximately $1,026,000 yearly, and an annual electricity reduction of more than 3,390,000 kWh.
In water conservation efforts, the hot water mixing valves used for wash racks in the paint complex were upgraded to enable adjustable temperatures and shut off capability.
Zero-bleed cooling towers were installed in Buildings 463, 469 and 472. The towers are used to remove calcium, magnesium and particulates from make-up water.
Water conservation programs will save the command over $61,000 in yearly utility savings and reduce annual water usage by 2,460 kGal.
Overall, the total utility cost savings from the ESPCs will exceed $2.4 million annually and a total energy savings of 8,613 British Thermal Units (MMBTU).
Total contract value, which includes equipment operation and maintenance costs for 13 years, is approximately $46,866,000. Guaranteed cost savings to the command is more than $47,658,000.
FRCSW was one of only eight naval commands recognized at the SECNAV Platinum level of achievement in energy and water conservation.
The SECNAV award includes $5,000 which may be earmarked toward future energy conservation efforts within the command.