CRC Innovations, Ameresco to enhance U.S. Army housing with energy efficiency upgrades

CRC Innovations, a leading provider of integrated energy and infrastructure solutions, and Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a prominent energy solutions company focused on sustainability, have announced a major initiative aimed at modernizing military housing. The companies have secured an Energy Saving Performance Contract (ESPC) exceeding $200 million to introduce energy efficiency upgrades across three U.S. Army bases—Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Meade in Maryland, and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

This large-scale initiative is set to transform living conditions for service members and their families while advancing the military’s sustainability and energy security goals. The project will impact approximately 5,000 homes, benefiting more than 15,000 residents. By implementing military housing improvements, the partnership aims to significantly reduce energy consumption, with projections estimating a 40% decrease in annual electricity use and a 50% reduction in natural gas consumption.

How Will Energy Efficiency Upgrades Improve Military Housing?

The contract is designed to modernize military housing by integrating advanced, energy-efficient infrastructure. A major component of the project involves replacing outdated HVAC systems with high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling technology. These systems, which harness renewable energy from underground heat sources, will not only improve comfort but also ensure infrastructure resiliency projects that support long-term sustainability.

Nicole Bulgarino, President of Federal Solutions and Utility Infrastructure at Ameresco, highlighted the importance of the upgrades, stating that the initiative would set a new standard for energy efficiency in government housing facilities. She emphasized that transitioning to geothermal systems aligns with the U.S. Army’s broader goal of strengthening operational resilience through energy efficiency upgrades.

Beyond heating and cooling enhancements, the project will also introduce new electrical panels and metering technology. These updates are expected to optimize energy distribution, enhance system reliability, and provide the military with real-time insights into power usage, contributing to more efficient facility management.

Why Are Military Housing Improvements Critical for Service Members?

The partnership between CRC Innovations and Ameresco extends beyond energy efficiency—it also prioritizes the well-being of military personnel and their families. Poor infrastructure can negatively impact the quality of life for service members, leading to discomfort, higher utility costs, and potential safety hazards. The military housing improvements under this contract aim to create a safer, healthier, and more comfortable living environment.

Pablo Varela, Executive Vice President at CRC Innovations, underscored the significance of the project, stating that the company takes pride in directly supporting service members through innovation. He noted that ensuring access to modernized housing aligns with the Army’s mission of readiness and resilience.

Additionally, the upgrades will improve housing durability during extreme weather conditions. As climate change increases the frequency of severe storms, ensuring infrastructure resiliency projects in military communities has become a growing priority. The integration of advanced geothermal technology and reinforced electrical systems will enhance the ability of these homes to withstand environmental challenges.

How Will This Project Deliver Long-Term Cost Savings?

One of the most significant advantages of the ESPC framework is its self-financing nature. The contract allows improvements to be funded through projected future energy and operational cost savings rather than requiring immediate taxpayer investment. The U.S. Army expects to save approximately $12.4 million annually in utility and maintenance costs due to the efficiency enhancements.

These savings will be achieved through a combination of lower energy consumption, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and decreased maintenance costs associated with aging infrastructure. By modernizing military housing with energy efficiency upgrades, the initiative will create long-term financial and environmental benefits for both the military and its personnel.

The partnership with Corvias, the organization responsible for managing the affected housing communities, further strengthens the project’s potential success. Corvias has been a long-standing partner of the Department of Defense, specializing in improving the quality and sustainability of military housing. Their involvement ensures a seamless integration of these upgrades into existing housing structures.

What Other Energy Efficiency Projects Has Ameresco Recently Launched?

Alongside its work on military housing, Ameresco has been actively expanding its energy-efficient infrastructure initiatives across the U.S. In a separate effort, the company recently announced a smart streetlighting pilot project in New Orleans aimed at revolutionizing public lighting systems.

This project will replace traditional streetlights with LED fixtures embedded with intelligent monitoring systems. The technology will allow city officials to track energy usage, monitor pedestrian and vehicle movement, and enhance public safety in high-traffic areas, including those near the Caesars Superdome.

The streetlighting initiative is part of Ameresco’s broader commitment to infrastructure resiliency projects, showcasing how smart energy solutions can enhance both government and municipal facilities. With experience implementing advanced energy efficiency upgrades across multiple sectors, Ameresco continues to play a key role in transforming public infrastructure through sustainability-driven innovation.

How Does This Project Align with the Future of Sustainable Infrastructure?

The partnership between CRC Innovations and Ameresco reflects a larger industry shift toward integrating energy-efficient technologies in critical infrastructure. As governments and organizations worldwide seek to reduce carbon footprints and enhance energy resilience, military housing improvements and smart city projects are setting new benchmarks for sustainable development.

For military communities, access to modernized housing equipped with cutting-edge technology is essential to maintaining morale, comfort, and operational readiness. With the successful implementation of these upgrades, the U.S. Army is positioning itself at the forefront of energy-conscious infrastructure development, ensuring that its personnel live in high-quality, resilient homes.

As the project progresses, the collaboration between CRC Innovations, Ameresco, and Corvias will continue to drive innovation, offering a model for future military housing renovations. Through the integration of energy efficiency upgrades and infrastructure resiliency projects, the initiative highlights the potential of strategic partnerships in shaping the future of sustainable military and public infrastructure.