Fort Hunter Liggett UESC

Overview

Located approximately 150 miles south of San Francisco in Southern Monterey County, California, Fort Hunter Liggett provides world-class training for combat support with critical training areas, ranges, and facilities that support year-round joint, multi-component, and interagency training. 

The base recently achieved top honors for its net-zero site efforts and is focused on optimizing their building. Fort Hunter Liggett was plagued by aging infrastructure and inefficient mechanical and control systems. This was inhibiting the Fort from achieving energy reduction and sustainability goals as well as impacting the training mission and soldier comfort and quality of life.

27 buildings were identified to need upgrades to ensure they could be used effectively to house and accommodate soldier activities during training exercises. The design, installation, and commissioning had to be completed in time for soldiers to reoccupy the buildings before scheduled training missions. This schedule created a challenge as the project included major demolition, extensive electrical work, asbestos removal and risk mitigation, and crane lifts above three stories for new rooftop HVAC units.

Southland, in conjunction with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), partnered with Fort Hunter Liggett, to develop and implement a utility energy service contract (UESC).

Our Approach

We designed and developed comprehensive energy conservation measures across the 27 buildings. Our turnkey services included conducting a detailed feasibility study, design and engineering services, demolition of jet propellant 8 (JP-8) and propane tanks, and installation of HVAC rooftop units, ductwork, domestic hot water storage tanks, air-to-water heat pumps, and variable air volume systems.

We also expanded and upgraded the facilities' BACnet-compatible Tridium building management systems. The upgrade improved the system's operational efficiency by enabling the staff to perform controls, energy management, and system diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Result

The $4.8 million self-funded UESC met Fort Hunter Liggett's goals by improving efficiency and equipment standardization across the installation. The design-build energy conservation measures included sitewide exterior LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC equipment installation, expansion and upgrade of energy management controls, domestic plumbing installation, high-efficiency transformer opportunities, and battery storage expansion for the existing photovoltaic system.

The project received a PG&E rebate of $51,270 and laid the groundwork for numerous other efficiency and resiliency projects across the installation. Continuous communication and collaboration with PG&E and Fort Hunter Liggett enabled us to successfully execute the entire project within budget, on schedule, and with zero lost time accidents.