Naval Station Great Lakes buildings to get new heating systems

News-Sun staff report June 27, 2012 8:12PM

Updated: June 28, 2012 2:48AM

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Midwest has kicked off the first phase of a $57 million, multi-year project to decentralize the Naval Station Great Lakes steam heat delivery system.

Over the next three years, Newburgh, Ind.-based Kroeschell ESG, L.L.C. joint venture will disconnect 110 of the bases buildings from the central steam plant and instead install individual heating systems in each building. This will improve the bases overall energy efficiency and save the Navy money.

Were looking forward to working with our contract partners on this very important project over the next few years, said NAVFAC Midwest Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Bernotas. This is one of the most significant projects weve undertaken within the region. Not only is it large in scope, but also in future benefit. Decentralizing Great Lakes steam distribution is really about preparing the base and Navy Region Midwest for a future where resources are more scarce.

New infrastructure, including new gas lines and other supporting systems, will be installed around the base. The existing aging steam lines will be removed in a follow-on phase of the project, to be completed in 2017.

While building occupants may not notice a difference in their work areas Navy directives set heating points at 68 degrees and cooling points at 78 degrees each building will be heated more efficiently, saving the Navy money, according to Public Works Department Great Lakes Energy Manager Peter Behrens.

Having heating systems for each building will eliminate the energy loss inherent in having what is essentially a 20-mile-long radiator carrying steam around the base, said Behrens.

NAVFAC anticipates this project will save the base around $9 million per year and reduce the bases overall energy intensity the amount of energy used per square foot of occupied space by 21 percent.

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Naval Station Great Lakes buildings to get new heating systems