Fort Detrick is a 1,200-acre, multiservices government research complex in Frederick, Maryland. It is home to the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command, National Cancer Institute at Frederick and 37 other tenant organizations comprising 6,200 military, federal and contractor personnel.

Fort Detrick needed an energy expert to develop and manage a comprehensive energy program that could significantly reduce the high utility and maintenance expenses associated with a large, multiservices federal government research complex.

Constellation Energy Projects & Services Group (CEPS), working in partnership with the local electric utility, employees of Fort Detrick and contractor operators, successfully developed and implemented a comprehensive energy program that is expected to save the U.S. Government millions in annual energy and maintenance expenses.

• New chiller plants
• Energy-efficient fluorescent lighting
• Steam plant and distribution system upgrades
• Digital controls on heating and cooling systems

Projects were implemented in phases, with major system upgrades deferred until basic improvements were complete. This incremental approach allowed the team to:

• Show immediate results
• Address tenant concerns in specific buildings
• Manage work flow so project oversight, construction and technical review did not slow day-to-day operations.

The Fort Detrick project demonstrated an innovative approach to energy management. Most notable is the teamwork focus, reflected in the group's mission statement, "A model effort to address global warming issues, create better living and working environments, highlight the base's earth-friendly efforts, improve safety and support scientific research without reducing personnel or spending additional taxpayer dollars."

CEPS arranged financing for this $25 million initiative and guarantees that energy savings will cover all costs over the life of the contract, providing positive cashflow to the government. CEPS performs regular measurement and verification activities to report the savings.