When temperatures fall and the cooler weather is on the way, Fort Gordon’s Directorate of Public Works has a systematic approach to turning on the boilers and keeping personnel comfortable.

Energy conservation projects that save thousands in terms of carbon emissions and energy dollars have made it possible to turn the boilers at the energy plant completely off during the summer months. The directive to reactivate the heating system is based on the long-range weather forecast. Generally, when the long range weather forecast indicates an average temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days, the boilers at the Central Energy Plant are turned on. This guideline is also weighed with historical data.

Of course these Fall days are notorious for the chill of the morning giving way to Georgia’s heat in the afternoon. These conditions make it difficult to maintain adequate internal building temperatures. Typically, the directive to initiate heating season is given during late October to late November. However, the decision is ultimately determined by the long-range weather forecast. These factors are weighed to account for unseasonably cool weather. Dressing in layers is recommended. A warmer outer layer with something that will be comfortable in the warmer afternoon underneath will greatly improve comfort. Dressing in layers to accommodate the fluctuating temperatures goes a long way toward ensuring personal comfort and making us less dependent on foreign sources of fuel and better stewards of our nation’s energy resources.

Army Regulation 420-1, “Army Facilities Management,” sets a guideline of internal office temperatures in the range of 72 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit during working hours during the heating season. The goal of the DPW is to provide heating service as required. With this goal is the need to efficiently manage energy consumption and resources in an environment of decreasing budgets without impacting mission accomplishment.

As always, exceptions to the above policy are given for the following: medical conditions (documented by a physician), mission impact (humidification/temperature controls required for equipment or processes - documented by manufacturer/vendor) and building design (building has no windows to allow outside air circulation.) Fort Gordon Policy also requires written approval for space heaters. Contact the Energy Manager, Bonnie Terrill at (706) 791-6184 or bonita.terrillperea@us.army.mil.