SRS (Cary, NC), a subsidiary of Progress Energy, announced that it is partnering with the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point to save approximately $1.3 million annually through a new energy-conservation program. The energy projects are self-financing, allowing MCAS Cherry Point to fund infrastructure improvements through energy and operational savings. The SRS program will help the station fulfill Executive Order 12123 requirements directing the federal government, the nation's largest energy consumer, to reduce energy usage in its facilities by 35 percent per square foot by the year 2010.
The first phase of the energy improvements involves designing ground-coupled heat-pump (GCHP) systems for family housing. Also in this phase, SRS and Cherry Point will define energy and water system improvements for approximately two million square feet of commercial and industrial buildings based on priority needs, with a goal of maximizing energy and operational savings. These improvements will include more efficient steam-source cleaning systems and more effective metering and usage of water on the base.
The GCHP systems in family housing will provide consistent heating in the winter, as well as cooling and humidity control in the summer. The units offered by SRS are claimed to be up to three times more efficient than the air-source heat pumps currently used in base family housing. They are recognized by the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense as a renewable energy source. MCAS Cherry Point will potentially experience an annual savings of more than a half-million dollars through the addition of GCHP units in 1,393 homes. SRS is currently installing the systems in base housing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
“The conservation initiatives at Cherry Point not only provide energy savings that pay for the enhancements but more importantly, they address critical infrastructure needs that would not easily receive funding," commented Kevin Johnson, managing director for SRS Federal Energy Services. “SRS is excited to be part of energy-conservation efforts at MCAS Cherry Point."
The Cherry Point program will take three to five years to complete and will save the air station approximately $40.0 million over the next 10 years.
