Temperature shaving policy to save Fort Knox $30K on energy

Diirectorate of Public Works
As part of the Army’s effort to mitigate risk in the face of fiscal uncertainty of sequestration and the year-long continuing resolution, Department of the Army has issued guidance on authorized heating and cooling temperatures in facilities. During the heating season, temperatures in occupied facilities will be maintained at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during working hours and heating setback temperatures during unoccupied times will be set at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This means we will be lowering temperature setpoints for most facilities by a few degrees. Warehouses and motor pool facilities are subject to lower setpoints during heating season.
Cooling season temperatures in occupied facilities will be maintained at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during working hours and cooling setback temperatures during unoccupied times will be set at 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Space temperatures for medical, medical research, and other similarly controlled facilities will comply with these standards unless exempted by UFC 4-510-01.
The garrison intends to implement DA’s guidance on space temperatures Feb. 19. This will result in Fort Knox saving over $300,000 a year on utility bills. Personnel are encouraged to dress for 68 degrees Fahrenheit in their work area. The use of portable space heaters to compensate for DA mandated space temperatures is not authorized. Any issues resulting from implementation of this guidance should be directed through each unit’s Building Energy Monitor to the Installation Energy Manager. As always, everyone is encouraged to report issues with facilities that cause energy to be wasted.