PROJECT SUMMARY
Originality
The Federal Energy Policy Act initiated legislation that provides the financial mechanisms used to fund the improvements at Fort Knox. The funding is very unique. Because Nolin is a not-for-profit corporation that uses Cooperative Financing Corporation (CFC) financing, Fort Knox finances energy projects with tax-free money and then repays the debt to the cooperative from the energy savings in monthly payments to the providing cooperative.

Quality
Fort Knox historically has experienced high failure rates for mechanical equipment. The heating and cooling equipment that should have lasted 20 years was failing on average in eight years. The previously installed system also had many applications and design issues that caused comfort and humidity problems. Through the team of industry experts, the new geothermal systems are designed, installed, and maintained to deliver the optimum comfort and energy savings. The previous systems did not allow for any level of individual control, while geothermal systems allow for individual adjustment.

Implementation
The new geothermal systems were installed in occupied buildings. The existing systems were modified to run until the new systems were installed. The design and construction focus heavily on minimizing the impact to the building occupants. Every effort is expended to make sure that the soldiers living in the buildings can continue on with their training with only a positive influence from the installation of the new systems. The construction is coordinated with a point of contact for each building and then communicated to the building tenants. The communication to the occupants typically creates excitement when they realize that a new system is going to be installed providing better comfort in all seasons.

Economics
The project offers the best economic package to the government for project implementation and continual commissioning. Execution of a utility energy services contract funds all the improvements from energy savings. The financing is provided below commercial lending rates since Nolin RECC is a not-for-profit rural energy cooperative. This total financial package establishes an efficient and value based economic package for Fort Knox

Longevity of Successful Operation
The geothermal systems are designed to have extended and successful operation. Geothermal heat pumps use the constant temperature of the ground as a heat exchanger versus traditional air source equipment that uses the continually varying air temperatures. The more moderate ground temperatures allow for the geothermal equipment to operate under less stressful conditions, prolonging equipment service life. Air source equipment typically operates under more extreme temperature conditions, which leads to more stress on the equipment and shorter equipment service life.

Public-Private Partnership
The partnership formed between Fort Knox Directorate of Public Works (DPW), Trane, and Nolin RECC provides expertise in government process, energy management, construction, and financing. The utility energy service contract provides the opportunity for Nolin RECC to select the best team for the customer and create a trusted partnership for implementation of that project.