Greening Initiatives at the United States Military Academy, West Point

Abstract

LTC Mark Smith, PHD, USA, Academy Professor, Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering

Under the direction of the Superintendent, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, the West Point Energy Council was established during the summer of 2009 to combine the expertise in the Academy and the U.S. Army Garrison to assist West Point to: 1) reduce its energy use through energy conservation and the use of alternate energy technologies, 2) reduce its consumption of water, 3) reduce the amount spent each year to dispose of municipal solid waste, and 4) emphasize energy and environmental awareness for all cadets and leaders. Through the leadership of the council, cadet projects have been generated that educate cadets on energy and environmental security, and the Garrison has been able to work toward solutions to address energy conservation requirements and mandates. Through the efforts of the West Point Energy Council, West Point is uniquely positioned to combine the collective strengths of the Academy and the U.S. Army Garrison to educate future Army officers on topics and technologies related to energy and environmental security.