Facility contest launches April 1

By admin

Posted on March 15, 2019

By Susan C. Galentine

Directorate of Public Works Sustainability specialist

FORT CARSON, Colo. — Units whose Soldiers conserve energy by calling in water leaks for repair and recycle, have a shot at earning up to $8,000 in the large unit category for Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) use by competing in the Unit Facility Excellence Contest starting April 1, 2019.

The Directorate of Public Works (DPW)-sponsored contest, formerly known as the Net Zero Unit Contest, runs from April 1, 2019 until Oct. 1, 2019. Funding for the contest awards comes from recycle revenue generated on post.

The competition is open to military elements battalion-size or larger: large unit category; and company-size or equivalent: small unit category, to recognize Soldiers who excel at incorporating facility management and energy, water and waste reduction practices as part of daily tasks.

Subordinate units, such as a company-level unit, cannot compete individually in the contest if their higher headquarters unit or battalion is already submitting a contest nomination for the large unit category.

In fiscal 2018, Fort Carson spent roughly $21.9 million in utility costs, including housing and close to $1 million in waste disposal, emphasizing the need for action and an ongoing commitment of Soldiers to do their part in helping to reduce the Army’s operational expenses.

Participants entered in the contest need to set up a DFMWR unit fund account. A total of $24,000 is available for the top three winners in the large and small unit category. Winning units often use award funds to pay for organizational day events and other functions.

Units interested in competing in the Unit Facility Excellence Contest can contact Susan Galentine atsusan.c.galentine.civ@mail.mil or by calling 526-4320, no later than April 30.

Large unit: Battalion or higher-level unit

First place: $8,000

Second place: $6,000

Third place: $4,000

Small unit: Company or equivalent-level unit

First place: $3,000

Second place: $2,000

Third place: $1,000

As a reference point, the DFMWR deposits $4 per Soldier, per year into unit fund accounts.