MALVERN, PA — Balfour Beatty Communities, a prominent housing partner for the U.S. Navy, has made significant strides toward enhancing energy resilience and supporting the Navy’s climate objectives. The recent completion of two major undertakings within its Navy housing portfolio underscores a leap forward in renewable energy use and efficiency.
The company wrapped up a multi-year initiative, beginning in 2021, by installing rooftop solar systems across five Navy housing communities in Florida, including Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport. This 10.55 megawatt solar project, now fully operational, elevates Balfour Beatty’s contributions to military housing solar developments to over 40 megawatts. Additionally, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new project at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine, expected to add nearly 1 megawatt of solar capacity.
In another ambitious move, Balfour Beatty finalized a $31 million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) in partnership with ENGIE Services U.S. This contract aims to enhance energy and water efficiency across 11 Navy installations in the southeastern United States. More than 5,000 homes will see the installation of high-efficiency HVAC systems, advanced weatherization, new water fixtures, and LED lighting. These upgrades are projected to save close to $3 million in utility costs over the next year, with savings redirected to further improvements in military housing.
Ed Lopes, Vice President of Project Development for Balfour Beatty Communities’ Navy housing portfolio, highlighted the dual benefits of such projects: advancing the Navy’s energy goals and reinvesting in community enhancements. Thomas C. McKelvey from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast praised these initiatives as pivotal to modernizing housing for Navy families, aligning perfectly with the Navy’s focus on energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
These projects reflect not only an investment in the infrastructure of military housing but also a commitment to the broader objective of reducing carbon footprints and fostering sustainable living environments for service members and their families.
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