Author(s)

J Vanegas & L Walrath

Abstract

This paper describes a current effort that is focused on the development of a conceptual framework to enhance the sustainability of US. Army installations. This framework is based on general principles and concepts of sustainable development adapted to the specific context of the Army. The framework provides a global strategic, tactical, and operational perspective on the implementation of sustainability in army installations. It also offers a general roadmap and specific recommendations for the integration of sustainability principles and concepts within specific processes and practices at each stage of the life cycle of a facilities, infrastructure, ranges, or ecosystems project (i.e., from initial planning, through design, procurement, and construction, to operations, maintenance, and the end-of-service life). The paper concludes with a short discussion on the experience of a specific installation, Fort Bragg, in its quest for sustainability. 1 Introduction The U.S. Army (from here on referred to as the Army), as many other organizations in the private and in the public sectors, faces three types of challenges to its ability to sustain its vision, mission, goals, and objectives, today, and in the future. First, the Army faces challenges to the capacity and capability of the basic infrastructure and assets that it requires to be what it is (e.g., adequate land, buildings, equipment), and to do what it does (e.g., train, deploy, fight). Second, the Army faces challenges to the compatibility of its core operations, processes, practices, and procedures, with the internal and external requirements that influence, affect, or constrain its ability to function effectively and efficiently (e.g., environmental regulations, encroachment). Third, the Army faces challenges to the integrity, quality, and availability of the capital resources that it requires, to sustain its basic infrastructure and assets, and its core

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