The final phase of geothermal installation and energy upgrades that will result in millions of dollars in savings is underway at the U.S. Army’s Fort Polk in West-Central Louisiana.
Rhode Island based Corvias is handling the improvements after winning a government contract in 2015 to revitalize military family housing. The work includes the installation of geothermal heat pumps and ENERGY STAR electric and water saving devices.
The upgrades started in 2018 and should be completed in early 2020, resulting in what the company says will be a significant reduction of the community’s carbon footprint.
“Energy independence is a top priority for Corvias and our partnership with the U.S. Army at Fort Polk showcases the progress and impact that is possible when working together to find solutions and reach a common and important goal,” said John G. Picerne, Founder and CEO of Corvias. “Seeing the geothermal work come to completion is a big win and we are already looking for the next series of projects that will likewise benefit the lives of military residents and families who call Fort Polk home as well as our Army partner.”
To date, Corvias has installed:
- 100% of 1,130 residences received water and energy conservation fixtures, including low-flow faucets, shower heads and toilets
- 63% of 3,772 ENERGY STAR certified Nest Learning Thermostats
- 60% of the 2,400 planned geothermal heat pumps (and is on schedule for the remaining residences)
The geothermal project received approval in 2015, following the conclusion of a previous contract. Corvias then raised $34 million to implement operational efficiencies, create cost savings, and replace and upgrade outdated infrastructure within Fort Polk’s housing portfolio.
The program is estimated to average $1.5 million in energy savings and operational cost avoidance annually totaling more than $40 million in savings throughout the remaining years of the Corvias program. In addition to the energy and money savings, water upgrades will save 71 thousand gallons of water annually, the equivalent of 7 average-sized swimming pools.