Saving green: how the DoD can better manage energy efficiency initiatives

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether there are predictive factors that increase or decrease the probability of a particular class of energy related projects being adopted within the Department of Defense (DOD). A database of 372 approved projects is analyzed relative to 666 unique DOD sites to determine what factors influence project adoption. Tested hypotheses include internal factors like the ease of implementation and investment return as well as external factors like imitation and environmental friendliness norms. Ultimately, this research looks for ways to better equip managers to plan for and resource the adoption of energy-saving initiatives. The conventional view holds that project adoption is primarily an internally driven process; however, this study finds that external factors significantly influence adoption. For example, imitation seems to be a crucial predictive factor. Also, whether consciously or not, DOD managers may feel increased pressure from environmentally conscious local stakeholders. Lastly, when it comes to project adoption, the DOD could be characterized as a learning, risk-averse culture. Recommendations from this study include the development of a tool for energy initiative prioritization and adoption, the merging of current infrastructure and energy reporting documents, and the designation of adoption leaders by region.