Information Modeling capabilities enable designers to
test new ideas during the early design stage. More
powerful installation-wide modeling capabilities are
being developed by ERDC-CERL research teams. The
net zero research effort is investigating how to make a
holistic assessment of opportunities to add, renovate,
or reconfigure installation facilities and infrastruc-
ture so the installation can become self reliant. Other
ERDC-CERL researchers are studying how to opti-
mize installation power generation and distribution
(micro-grids) to reduce power requirements and take
advantage of renewable resources while powering
mission essential services. Additional research is be-
ing conducted on tightening building envelopes, and
on improving operations and maintenance for exist-
ing facilities.
There is also a surge in development and transfer
of emerging technologies that will help Army commu-
nities become increasing self reliant, high performance
sustainable places to work and live. The real chal-
lenge lies in mapping out which new strategies and
technologies are most practical and cost effective for
a particular location and how to integrate all the new
ideas into the existing infrastructure and new facilities
in a systematic manner. Strategic planning and con-
trolled experimentation with new ideas are required to
help the Army ease the adoption and implementation
of technologies, strategies and practices required to
become truly self reliant. While the Army represents
a small portion of U.S. construction activity, it is also
the largest single entity building, operating, repurpos-
ing and demolishing facilities, and so the Army also
has a significant impact on the industry as a whole.
Over the last few years, the Army has helped the na-
tion shift towards “building green”, and the new goals
sharon
(sharon)
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