Energy consumption in buildings is largely driven by the building envelope, as it is one of the primary determinants in how comfort and indoor air quality are maintained. Approximately 35% of energy consumption in buildings is used to maintain a comfortable and safe indoor environment. Building envelope leakages caused by either unconditioned air infiltrating into the building or conditioned air leaking out through cracks/openings in the building result in significant increase to the building energy use due to increase in the heating and/or cooling load.
SERDP and ESTCP are continuing research and demonstrations to address issues associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). In addition to the projects described in a previous blog, we have a number of new efforts underway.
SERDP supported research was recently featured in the news. The video highlights the specially designed wind tunnel that is used for simulating how wildfires burn in different environments. This project has a large team of researchers from several different organizations including, the University of Edinburgh, Worchester Polytechnic Institute, Michigan State University, West Virginia University, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Kucera International.
In addition to the two Munitions Response technical sessions and the poster session at the upcoming SERDP and ESTCP Symposium, the Munitions Response Program Area is sponsoring two side meetings related to on-going projects.
U.S. Army Benét Laboratories at Watervliet Arsenal recently hosted an offsite Technical Committee meeting for the Weapon Systems and Platforms program area of SERDP and ESTCP. Benét Laboratories is responsible for the research, design, development, producibility, and field support for the Army’s large caliber cannons.
The ESTCP Energy and Water team attended the 2017 Energy Exchange held in Tampa, FL from August 15 to 17, 2017. The conference was attended by over 2,600 people representing federal agencies, energy technology/service companies, research institutes, academia and over 700 from DoD. Attendance was up again this year and the agenda was packed with great presentations, panels and discussions on a wide range of topics.
The SERDP & ESTCP Symposium is rapidly approaching and we have a number of short courses being offered that feature work funded under the Environmental Restoration Program Area.
The Resource Conservation and Resiliency (RCR) team engaged one of its key research communities by participating in the 102nd annual Ecological Society of America (ESA) conference. Dr. Kurt Preston, the recently established RCR Program Manager spoke to over 150 attendees as part of a Federal Research Roundtable.
ESTCP is gearing up for the 2017 Energy Exchange to be held August 15 to 17, 2017 in Tampa, FL. ESTCP’s Energy and Water Program Area funds demonstrations of innovative technologies that improve the energy and water efficiency, enhance the energy security and reduce the operational cost of military installations.
Last year about this time I wrote a blog post updating you on the Program Office as we reached the middle of summer. It’s time again to report on the two programs as we look forward to FY-2018.