The National Park Service (NPS) is investing $29 million in 81 individual energy efficiency and water conservation projects at national parks throughout the greater Washington region.
The 23-year Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), awarded in September 2014 to Siemens Government Technologies, will allow the NPS to conserve energy and water with no upfront costs and to accrue cost savings into the future. The project is funded by savings generated through the new energy conservation measures. Savings are guaranteed by Siemens and will allow NPS to advance President Obama's vision that federal facilities generate 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020.
The new energy conservation measures will allow 13 D.C. area national parks to make significant reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions and Carbon Footprint, water and energy consumption and deferred maintenance backlogs. Greater efficiency will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 4,000 tons each year, reduce water usage by 74 million gallons each year and reduce energy use by nearly 20,000 MBtus each year.
Specific projects include installing intelligent lighting and water controls that regulate themselves to be most effective and efficient for the conditions, replacing outdated and high energy use heating and air conditioning systems and installing photovoltaic solar arrays. The ESPC project kicked off with the installation of two solar panel arrays at Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Project Examples
Manassas National Battlefield:Two solar panel systems installed on park headquarters and ranger office will provide 65 percent of the electricity for these buildings. These panels will produce renewable energy, reduce energy costs, and free up savings for other park projects. Given the battlefield’s historic significance, careful attention was paid to ensure that the placement of the panels maximized the amount of solar production, while protecting historic sight-lines and ensuring zero impact.
National Mall and Memorial Parks: Park staff will know instantly when a light bulb burns out along the National Mall. Intelligent lighting systems with remote monitoring capabilities will not only allow the park to know when a new light bulb is needed, but also will smartly adjust to natural lighting conditions. New energy efficient lights will help the National Mall reduce energy use by 13 percent in the first year.President's Park: Sprinklers on the White House Ellipse in President's Park will now only turn on when the grass needs water. Intelligent remotely monitored sensors will substantially reduce water use making irrigation more efficient and sustainable. In the first year of the new energy conservation measures, President's Park will reduce its energy use by 36 percent.
Monocacy National Battlefield: The sun will provide all the energy needed to power the visitor center at Monocacy National Battlefield. A photovoltaic system of solar panels will be installed on the visitor center's roof helping the park reduce its energy use by 30 percent in year one. Park rangers will be able to use the solar panels to educate visitors about climate change and renewable energy.
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: Intelligent lighting systems and energy-efficient bulbs will be installed at the Filene Center. The lights are designed to match the ambience and historic feel of the amphitheatre. All told, projects like this at Wolf Trap will help the park reduce its energy consumption by 15 percent in the first year.
Last updated: December 15, 2017