Case study; Energy conservation-a continual process at defense contractor's manufacturing facility

Energy management is a key tool for strategic planning at Alliant Techsystems. The defense contractor believes the most cost effective means of achieving long-range energy conservation is through Energy Management Process and Total System Approach. At Alliant Techsystems, the operational mission is simple: improve business efficiency, produce a quality product, and reduce operating costs. To this end, the corporation has set a goal to reduce energy usage to 50 percent by 1992 from base year 1982. In base year 1982, utility costs were $2.4 million dollars. Since that time, numerous energy saving measures and integrated facility management systems have reduced energy cost by 35 percent and save $5.7 million dollars. This paper discusses energy conservation measures and projects developed and implemented in compliance with a corporate plan, the Army Facilities Energy Plan (AFEP), the DARCOM Industrial Energy Plan, and other guidelines set forth by the U.S. Army.