NAT’L GUARD GOES NEW ENERGY

NM Guard goes green to conserve energy
Sue Major Holmes, February 7, 2009 (AP via The Daily Times)

"…At the national level, the Guard has had a green initiative, called sustainable design and development, since 2001. The Department of Defense also follows the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Efficiency and Security Act of 2007.

"Guard units nationwide have built numerous green projects. Since 2005, a solar array has provided some of the power for the New Jersey Army National Guard's training center in Wrightstown; the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing opened an alternative energy site in Toledo last September.

"Now the military wants to do more than build green buildings…Every building under the military construction program must meet the U.S. Green Building Council's silver rating."

Solar array at the New Jersey Nat’l Guard training facility. (click to enlarge)

"Two percent of a building's cost will be spent to make sure it meets standards…more energy-efficient systems, better windows and doors, more insulation…[T]he New Mexico Guard's compound near Santa Fe [has]a slender, 43-foot tall white wind turbine near headquarters. It generates 300 to 400 kilowatts a month…The electricity goes into the energy grid and the Guard receives credit on its electric bill…

"Solar tubes—like small round skylights—supply half the lighting needs at one Guard building and a quarter of those needs at two others…The New Mexico Guard…recommends everything from turning off computers, printers, copiers, televisions and other electronics at night to making sure a vehicle's air filter is clean…"

UQM Propulsion hybrid electric military truck prototype. (click to enlarge)

"Solar cells light signs at the Santa Fe compound and one in Rio Rancho. Hydrogen fuel provides backup power in five critical buildings, including headquarters. Old boilers have been replaced with tankless water heaters in numerous facilities. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have been updated…The Guard also runs 13 car pool vans…The 15-vehicle commercial fleet uses biofuels and ethanol; the general drives a hybrid electric-gas vehicle.

"Last fall nearly everyone in the state Guard went to a schedule that gives them every other Monday off…The electric bill dropped…Total utility costs, including such things as natural gas, water and refuse, dropped…

"The future will be one of innovative projects…wind power…photovoltaics…solar power, ground source heat pumps…solar cells for armories in Santa Fe and Albuquerque and roof-mounted wind turbines on the four-story headquarters building…"