The U.S. Department of Energy recently honored the Postal Service for its efforts to cut waste and energy costs and improve operations.
USPS received a Federal Energy and Water Management Award for its work at the Washington Network Distribution Center in Capitol Heights, MD.
Through a recent pilot program envisioned by Plant Manager Robert Borris and In-Plant Support Manager Sherman Williamson, the facility replaced lead acid batteries with cleaner hydrogen fuel cells in 92 powered industrial vehicles, including forklifts, tow motors and pallet jacks.
This reduced battery room electricity consumption by 81 percent and generated $188,000 in annual savings. The program also produced $625,000 in savings through reduced work hours.
“The Postal Service is one of the nation’s largest federal agencies, and we understand the importance of leading by example. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to reduce our carbon footprint through innovation and good environmental stewardship,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Tom Day.
USPS is one of 32 organizations, teams and individuals that received the awards, which were presented Oct. 23 during a ceremony in Washington, DC.
Source: USPS
The Federal Energy and Water Management Awards
ROBERT BORRIS
CARROLL BURGESS
CAROLYN C. COLE
THOMAS G. DAY
RUSTY WILLIAMSON
U.S. Postal Service
Washington D.C. Network Distribution Center
Washington, D.C.
To cut waste and energy costs and improve operations, this team replaced lead acid batteries with hydrogen fuel cell technology in 92 powered industrial vehicles, resulting in an 81% decrease in battery room electricity consumption and saving $188,000 dollars annually. Labor was also reduced by 11,000 hours, saving an additional $625,000 during the pilot timeframe alone.
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