Tetra Tech is providing Resource Efficiency Management (REM) support to develop energy conservation measures at the Misawa Air Base in Japan. Projects include lighting retrofits, HVAC efficiency studies, boiler control projects, water conservation projects, hot water controls projects, and whole-building modeling.

Tetra Tech’s experience at Misawa Air Base extends beyond the REM program to the design of two Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (SRM) projects as well.

The first of these was a renewable energy study for possible heating alternatives in the Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS). Tetra Tech evaluated waste-to-energy, geothermal, wind, photovoltaic and ground source heat pump options. During the investigation, Tetra Tech determined that the HASs were operated inefficiently, and produced a 100% design for recommended modifications. Tetra Tech then produced a 35% design for the selected Vertical Ground-Coupled Heat Exchanger Systems (VGCHES).

The second project was the major renovation of the base chapel, which Tetra Tech completed. As part of the design, Tetra Tech performed detailed energy modeling and specified energy efficient HVAC and lighting systems.

Tetra Tech REM support at Misawa Air Base has significantly improved operations. To help improve conservation of fuel oil, which currently accounts for 73 percent of the energy used on the base, Tetra Tech tracked daily temperatures and helped adjust heating and cooling systems. Through educational programs and other demand-side management activities, Tetra Tech will help Misawa Air Base save more than $270,000 a year in fuel oil costs alone.

Highlight:

• Tetra Tech’s REM projects at Misawa Air Base have resulted in $2,490,000 in savings to date.