Fort Campbell Family Housing is planting green standards into the community, and reaping the shared rewards as a result.

From proper disposal of office supplies to multiple recycling bins in offices, FCFH is taking the lead in a “greener” way forward and David Brockman, communications coordinator for FCFH, said it starts in their own offices.

“As a staff we are striving for zero waste by July,” said Brockman. “Everything we purchase can be recycled.”

In keeping with these standards on a large scale, Fort Campbell became the first military installation to build a Zero-Energy home.

Designating homes with the ENERGY STAR label is dependent on meeting Environmental Protection Agency guidelines to implement new “green” standards in energy efficiency.

That has translated as a consistent 20-30 percent increase in energy efficiency for qualifying homes, of which more than 1 million have been built in the U.S. since 1995, according to information available on www.energystar.org.

The housing office has offered educational programs and initiatives leading to recognition for Fort Campbell in the realm of energy efficiency.

“It’s not just how many appliances you replaced or installed, it also includes education of residents,” Brockman said. “It’s what we’re doing to complete the whole package.”

It helps to consider the installation as a small, gated city Brockman said, since more than 4,300 homes on the installation now have ENERGY STAR rated appliances, demonstrating a visible impact.

“Green” living also benefits Fort Campbell residents with a return for pitching in with these initiatives, making them decision makers in their own standard of living.

Project contributions to wounded warriors or Habitat for Humanity also help to give back to the residents’ community as a means of social sustainability.

“Economically, it means looking for more ways to save money,” Brockman said. “Ultimately the money we save is not to increase the bottom line, but to increase the quality of life.”

All the money saved goes back into this quality of life. “When a resident turns off a light, that money saved, goes back into the community.”

Mutual “green” rewards

For its second year, FCFH has helped ensure that construction and development company, Actus Lend Lease, received the 2010 ENERGY STAR Promotion Award by carrying out green initiatives for the installation.

Actus was selected by the EPA for the award given in support of its 12 projects among various military installations, Fort Campbell being one of the largest, Brockman said.

“We didn’t win the award, but we contribute to Actus, and share all the projects they share,” Brockman said. “We contribute by how many appliances we’ve swapped out or how many CFL light bulbs have been installed.”

It’s a win-win situation, since Brockman said, because Actus is the largest Resident Communities Initiative, as well as the company that’s defining those standards for everyone else.

“We were recognized with this award for promoting the importance of living in an Energy Star home, as well as our commitment to environmental sustainability at all of our projects,” said Actus marketing director Cindy Gersch.

Fort Campbell Family Housing has been making updates to fall in line with these “green” initiatives, and this is one way to show they are helping to further “green” living.

These types of initiatives are only a small part of what he said ensures sustainability. “It’s not for an award or because it’s the ‘in’ thing to do,” Brockman said. “We’re always looking for new ways to be environmentally sustainable.”

Educating children on the installation with the SYNERGY (Saving Your Nation’s Energy) program, teaches even young residents how they can conserve and live more “green.”

SYNERGY teaches children environmental sustainability through different projects, like recently planting trees on Arbor Day.

“We do a good job with that here,” Brockman said. “A lot of times it’s easier to reach the child than the parent.”

Gersch said this is just one of many ways Fort Campbell is a big part of making sure Actus succeeds in its goals.

“Fort Campbell is instrumental as the first installation to build zero-energy homes. Also leading the way with our SYNERGY program and Energy Star appliances in new home construction,” she said.

Committing to greener living and building the most energy efficient neighborhoods, Actus seeks to deliver on their end of the bargain as well.

“This prestigious honor demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and our dedication to ensuring residents understand the importance,” Gersch said.

For more ways you can contribute to “green” living, call Fort Campbell Family Housing office at (270) 798-3808.