U.S. Army Aims to Reduce Energy Use

On October 27, the U.S. Army introduced two policy memorandums to reduce energy use in Army facilities. The first improves high-performance green building standards, and the second requires the use of energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Both measures are designed to increase energy security, energy efficiency, and sustainability for the Army.

The first memo, a " Memorandum for Sustainable Design and Development Policy Update ," modifies the Army’s approach to efficient building design. Preliminary analysis by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates energy savings of 45 percent or greater over the current design.

The second update, a " Memorandum on the Utilization of Efficient Lighting ," aims to replace all inefficient incandescent lighting on Army installations within five years. Once older incandescent light bulbs burn out, and existing inventory is depleted, the Army will only purchase efficient light bulbs. According to ENERGY STAR, a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Energy, CFLs use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.