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Net Zero Strategy

What is it?

The Net Zero Strategy is the cornerstone of the Army strategy for sustainability and energy security. This strategy is based on the principles of integrated design, which will ensure the Army of tomorrow, has the same access to energy, water, land and natural resources as the Army of today. The Net Zero approach consists of five interrelated steps: reduction, re-purpose, recycling and composting, energy recovery and disposal. A Net Zero Energy installation produces as much energy on site as it uses, over the course of a year. A Net Zero Water installation limits the consumption of freshwater resources and returns water back to the same watershed so not to deplete the groundwater and surface water resources of that region in quantity or quality. A Net Zero Waste installation reduces, reuses, and recovers waste streams, converting them to resource values with zero landfill.

What is the Army doing?

The Army is enhancing mission effectiveness through Army Power and Energy advancements. The Army is embarking on the Net Zero approach by making investments designed to reduce energy and water demand, increase energy and water efficiency, reduce waste generation and increase the use of renewable and alternative energy. This approach will contribute to increased energy and water security at our installations.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The Army is establishing policies and oversight to ensure the effective and efficient use of our resources. Through 17 identified Net Zero pilot installations we will determine best practices through ongoing assessments and workshops. The vision is to create sustainable installations that support the missions of the transformed Army to train as we fight and successfully protect and defend our Nation's interests. The land, buildings, vehicle platforms, and infrastructure will continue to provide excellent quality-of-life support for Soldiers and their families. This applies to all domestic and overseas installations whether they are permanent, enduring or temporary.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army must improve efficiencies in energy, conserve water and reduce waste generation as it is essential to our current security and future operational missions. We must integrate Net Zero thinking into contingency base planning, construction and operations to fully achieve its force-multiplying affects. The Army must educate leaders, Soldiers, civilians, and family members on the interrelated steps to Net Zero demonstrate its benefits and publicize how it is a force multiplier.

Resources:

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Energy and Environment)

Army Energy News

Energy Initiatives Task Force

Net Zero

Army Live blog: Renewable Alternative Energy and Power Production for DoD Installations