# Installation Sustainability Agreement Signed

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/installation-sustainability-agreement-signed/
- Published: 2012-02-13T05:51:10-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Army and EPA Team Up to Cut Emissions and Boost Clean Energy

In 2012, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took a
bold step toward cleaner operations. The two agencies signed an Installation Sustainability
Agreement at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, committing to long-term goals that reduce
energy use, shrink emissions, and strengthen environmental performance.

This agreement signaled more than cooperation—it marked a turning point in how federal
facilities approach sustainability.

### A Military Base Goes Green

Fort Huachuca, located in southeastern Arizona, became a model site for this groundbreaking
agreement. The Army installation already had a history of energy and water conservation,
but this deal raised the bar.

![A section of the fort huachuca solar array near reservoir hill as officials inspect
the installationpart of the bases clean energy push under the armyepa sustainability
agreement](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/F718D5C4-
E31B-46A2-8F87-6251A24D3730.jpeg?resize=474%2C711&quality=52&ssl=1 "F718D5C4-E31B-
46A2-8F87-6251A24D3730 - The Green Living Guy")

Photo Credit US Army Lara Poirrier

Through the agreement, both agencies pledged to promote renewable energy, manage
natural resources more efficiently, and improve air and water quality. It wasn’t
just about checking boxes—it was about changing the culture of how military facilities
operate.

### Real Goals, Real Results

The EPA and the Army laid out specific targets under the agreement. These included:

 1. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions from operations and vehicles
 2. Increasing renewable energy use across the base
 3. Reducing hazardous materials and improving waste management
 4. Protecting wildlife habitats and preserving local ecosystems

Fort Huachuca would also serve as a proving ground for new [clean technologies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/epa-proposes-changes-to-clean-air-act-standards-for-boilers-and-incinerators/)
and smart facility management tools. From solar panels to green building designs,
the goal was to create a sustainable, resilient base.

### Collaboration That Matters

This wasn’t the Army’s first step into sustainability, but partnering directly with
the EPA gave the effort new weight. The EPA brought technical expertise, emissions
tracking tools, and experience with community-scale environmental initiatives. The
Army brought scale, logistics, and a massive operational footprint.

Together, they planned to share best practices and develop models that other military
bases and federal installations could follow.

### Why It Matters

Military installations are like small cities. They consume large amounts of energy
and water. They generate waste. And they sit on sensitive lands that deserve protection.
So making them more efficient and eco-friendly doesn’t just benefit the troops—it
benefits the planet.

With this agreement, the Army and EPA showed that large institutions can move quickly
toward sustainable operations. More importantly, they proved that even traditionally
conservative sectors like the military can innovate for climate action.

### Conclusion

The Fort Huachuca sustainability agreement was more than a policy move. It was a
signal that green innovation belongs at every level of government—even in places
built for defense. As energy security, climate resilience, and operational efficiency
become even more critical, partnerships like this one show the path forward.

### Sources:

 1. EPA and U.S. Army Partner on Sustainability Goals (Energy.gov)
 2. Fort Huachuca Sustainability Initiatives (U.S. Army)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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