U.S. Air Force Becomes A Role Model For Best Energy Efficiency Practices

Companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint can take the example of the U.S. Air Force, a branch of service that has taken big steps in the direction of energy efficiency.

Although energy-efficiency upgrades easily pay for themselves over time, the up-front cost of the equipment has prevented many businesses from making the big leap. 

According to Triple Pundit, this is why the Air Force has focused more attention on a financial agreement called an ESPC, or an Energy Savings Performance Contract.

“The basic premise of an ESPC is fairly straightforward: The upgrade is conducted by an energy services company, and little or no up-front payment is required from the client. Instead, the client pays for the upgrade in increments over time. An ESPC can also include a long-term maintenance and repair contract, as well as provisions for training and updating employees. That’s an important consideration where new technology and staff turnover are involved.”

This means the client still gets to save money from the past utility costs, even after paying to the energy services provider.

A new $403 million ESPC project for the Yokota Air Base in Japan includes a new 10-megawatt combined heat and power plant with microgrid controls, building automation systems, and water-saving plumbing fixtures.

These upgrades combined should provide energy savings of $20 million a year.