Earth Day Message: Corps puts sustainability into practice
By Lt. Gen. Robert L. Van Antwerp, US Army Corps of Engineers Commanding General
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Every year in April, we celebrate Earth Day and take the opportunity to reflect and focus on the environment and sustainability. If you take a minute to look at the Corps' programs and projects, you will see many examples of how we've been putting sustainability into practice. See The Corps Environment for the entire article. Some highlights: - In Fallujah, Iraq - a great example of the Corps' commitment to the environment and to sustainability.
- The Corps participates in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Sustainable Design Expo, featuring the P3 (People, Prosperity and the Planet) Awards on the National Mall, April 18 through 20.
- Facilities being built for the military construction mission to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standards.
- Renewable energy projects at military installations at home: a geothermal heating and cooling project at Fort Sill, Okla., that will save nearly 2,500 barrels of oil a year, and solar walls and rehabilitation shops at Fort Knox, Ky., which will save 2,400 barrels of oil a year.
- The Center for the Advancement of Sustainability Innovations supports the Army Strategy for the Environment and the Sustainable Design and Development Directory of Expertise to support LEED building standards.
- The Corps' Environmental Operating Principles provide us direction on how to better achieve stewardship of air, water and land resources, while demonstrating the connection between water resources, protection of environmental health and the Nation's security.
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