Tennessee National Guard Receives Clean Energy Grant

Photo By Niki Gentry | Two modular Lochinvar boilers with an 81 percent efficiency rating, like the ones pictured above at the Lebanon Readiness Center, will replace single cast iron hot water boilers built in 1986. Lochinvar World Headquarters is in Lebanon, Tenn.  

NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES

10.29.2014

Story by Chief Warrant Officer Nicholas Atwood 

Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs Office

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee National Guard will receive $250,000 in the form of a Clean Tennessee Energy Grant, a program established by Gov. Bill Haslam and managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation, to replace inefficient air conditioning and heating equipment, potable gas fired storage tank water heaters, and indoor lighting and windows at several readiness centers across the state. The new highly efficient equipment is Energy Star qualified and manufactured to meet current Federal Energy Efficiency Standards and, “will result in immediate savings to the taxpayer through reduced consumption,” stated Col. Brad Bishop, Chief, Facilities Management Office for the Tennessee Military Department.

The project is expected to reduce electrical consumption by 293,432 kilowatt hours and the natural gas consumption by 2,344 British Thermal Units for a total reduction, when converted respectively, of 3,345 BTU per year. In terms of actual dollars there is an expected energy cost savings of over $56,000 and more than $25,000 per year in maintenance costs.

The Tennessee National Guard provided matching funds received from the National Guard Bureau as part of the overall Department of Defense budget, in order to cover the total project cost of $523,000, and apply for the grant. Tennessee’s Adjutant, Maj. Gen. Max Haston stated, “We take stewardship very seriously, especially when defense dollars are on the cutting block. In essence, we are stretching the federal dollars we receive to cover the efficiency upgrades that will stretch our dollars even more.”

“These facilities are used by our National Guard Soldiers for training in order to respond during times of crisis or natural disasters, thereby aiding the citizens of this great state. In addition, these facilities are part of the local communities wherein they are physically located. I’m glad we were able to secure these funds in 2014 and we’re already working with the Department of Environment and Conservation in the hopes of securing another grant in 2015,” stated Col. Bishop.

Air conditioning and heating equipment will be replaced at seven centers, potable water heaters at two centers, lighting at three centers, and windows at one center. The projects can be started immediately and completed within six months of availability of the grant.

• Date Taken: 10.29.2014
• Date Posted: 10.29.2014 10:34
• Story ID: 146444
• Location: NASHVILLE, TN, US