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  • Investigation of Bioplastic Degradation for Military In-Field Applications Implementation of Sustainable Practices into the US Military for Rapid Biodegrading Polylactic Acid (PLA) Plastic in Compostable Environments

    Abstract: The Army Climate Strategy has identified goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to reach net-zero Army GHG emissions by 2050. Producing fossil-fuel-based plastics releases GHG emissions and plastic bottles are difficult to dispose, especially in contingency locations. Soldiers prefer hydrating with plastic water bottles, which leads to GHG emissions. This project investigates using bioplastics for water bottles. These bioplastics are produced from natural materials and can break down faster with alternative disposal methods, such as composting. Challenges include finding a material with a stable shelf life and the capability to hold water, but also one that that degrades with ease in the right composting environment. As part of this project, partners at the University of Minnesota are developing a new polylactic acid (PLA) material to fit the material properties needed for this application. Their research is ongoing. Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) researchers tested commercial PLA in calorimeter and incubator studies and with a full-scale demonstration of the commercial composting Sustainable Generation Mobile System. The PLA did not completely degrade, and testing showed mixed results on finished compost quality. Recommendations included continued testing, experimenting with other bioplastics, and changing compost feedstock variables.
  • Innovative Bioreactor Technology for Treating Industrial Residues

    The “Method for Treating Reducible Compound Residues Using Iron-Containing Bioreactor” provides a sustainable solution for managing industrial waste by utilizing iron’s unique properties in bioreactors. Filed in September 2017 and granted in September 2024, the patent was developed by two researchers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  • ERDC Celebrates Milestone with GridStar® Flow Battery Installation at Fort Carson

    The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center's (ERDC) Operational Energy (OE) team is celebrating the construction and installation of the GridStar® Flow system, a redox flow battery solution designed for long-duration, large-capacity energy storage applications. The flow system is installed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and ERDC has led the technical evaluation and project management since 2022.
  • Operation renovation: Chinook hangar undergoes vital modernization efforts

    Originally built in the 1940s as a U.S. Navy Reserve facility, the Aviation Support Facility Olathe located in New Century, Kansas, is currently home to Bravo and Delta Companies, 7/158th General Support Aviation Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve. Supporting U.S. military missions across the nation and around the world, the units provide critical maintenance to a fleet of CH-47 Chinook helicopters and consist of the pilots and crew members who execute the mission.
  • Unified Facilities Criteria and Unified Facilities Guide Specifications for Sustainable Military Construction : Concrete, Asphalt, Wood, and Life-Cycle Assessment Perspectives

    Abstract: Construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, and wood are essential components for Department of Defense (DoD) Military Construction (MILCON) and construction for contingency operations around the world. From housing facilities, to airfields, to magazines and hardened structures, each of these materials fulfill numerous Army building applications. However, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions stemming from the manufacturing, application, maintenance, and disposal of concrete and steel exact a significant climate burden. Thus, due to their pervasive use and commodity status, the advancement of sustainable concrete, asphalt, and wood materials are a critical driver for GHG mitigation. This report communicates a first step toward decarbonization-focused updates to UFC and UFGS by outlining major specifications related to concrete, asphalt, and wood with near- and long-term strategies to facilitate modernization. The Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is poised to make a significant impact on the identification and integration of sustainable materials to meet regulatory goals for the re-duction of GHG emissions in MILCON. New guidance will be integrated into UFC and UFGS by leveraging unique re-search, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) capabilities in materials science, life-cycle assessment, and federal relationships with discipline working groups
  • Identifying Sustainability and Resilience Investments to Implement the 2022 US Army Climate Strategy: Fiscal Year 2023 Sustainable Design and Development Update

    Abstract: This report offers a detailed assessment of the US Army’s adherence to sustainable design and development (SDD) policies, encompassing the US Army Sustainable Design and Development (SDD) Policy memorandum; Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 1-200-02, High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements; Executive Orders 14,008 and 14,057; the Army Climate Strategy; and required LEED v4 certifications. The evaluation comprises five primary tasks, including quarterly reports on US Army military construction (MILCON) project LEED v4 certifications, analysis of US Army LEED v4 certifications and trends, research and implementation of the intermediate objectives in the 2022 US Army Climate Strategy focusing on strategies to achieve climate goals, an analysis ex-plaining the advantages of Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal (PEER) certification for Army microgrids, and industry knowledge gained from participation in the Greenbuild 2022 conference. Key recommendations developed in this assessment include enhancing transparency in LEED reporting, considering PEER certification, expediting climate strategy implementation, and active participation in industry gatherings. This report serves as a comprehensive resource for informed decision-making, aiding the US Army in advancing its sustainable design and development initiatives to meet future environmental and sustainability objectives.
  • The Arctic Deployable Resilient Installation Water Purification and Treatment System (DRIPS): Microgrid Integration with Geoenabled Water Production and Disinfection Systems for Installations

    Abstract: The purpose of the Arctic Deployable Resilient Installation water Purification and treatment System (DRIPS) is to be a critical asset in disaster response and military operations by providing a reliable and effective means of producing potable water and disinfection in a challenging and unpredictable environment, such as in an extremely cold climate. The objective of this effort was to deliver, integrate, and demonstrate the Arctic DRIPS to show that it can provide drinkable water to users of the microgrid within polar climate zones. Its adaptability, mobility, and comprehensive water treatment capabilities make it an invaluable resource for addressing water-related emergencies and water disruptions and for sustaining critical missions. It also addresses a point of need by improving the ability to meet demands while reducing convoy requirements and the logistical foot-print and ensuring the well-being of affected installations during disaster responses, training operations, normal water disruptions, and emergency preparation. The DRIPS was delivered to Fort Wainwright, a sub-Arctic installation, to demonstrate the integration of a water treatment component within a microgrid structure and to help them be better prepared to meet their water and energy requirement goals. The microgrid integration requirements were met upon implementation of this project.
  • The Corps Environment – Summer 2024 edition now available

    The Summer 2024 edition of The Corps Environment is now available! This edition features projects and programs that are delivering enduring environmental benefits.
  • Innovating for the future: USACE uses sustainable building materials for JBLM barracks, enhances Army’s climate resiliency goals

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), U.S. Army I Corps, and Assistant Secretary of the Army leadership joined Washington State congressional representatives for an Aug. 7 groundbreaking ceremony on a first-of-its-kind barracks pilot program using sustainable building materials meant to reduce its carbon footprint. Once complete, the new barracks will improve the quality of life for 168 Soldiers at JBLM, Wash.
  • Corps of Engineers, JBLM, break ground on first-of-its kind sustainable materials barracks project

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), U.S. Army I Corps, and Assistant Secretary of the Army leadership joined Washington State congressional representatives for an Aug. 7 groundbreaking ceremony on a first-of-its-kind barracks pilot program using sustainable building materials meant to reduce its carbon footprint. Once complete, the new barracks will improve the quality of life for 168 Soldiers at JBLM, Wash.