FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             For More Information Contact: Laura Melrose
August 26, 2009                                                                                                 (360) 674-2381 x 22

Sustainability Initiative at the Port of Bremerton

Bremerton (WA) – A Washington State University graduate studies project will kick off a new sustainability initiative at the Port of Bremerton.

A master's degree class from WSU's mechanical engineering program will perform a thorough analysis of energy systems in the Port's terminal and administration building at Bremerton National Airport. The analysis will lead to detailed recommendations on how to improve the building's energy efficiency.

"This is a win-win for the Port and WSU," said Port CEO Cary Bozeman. "This is work that otherwise we'd have to contract out at significant cost. WSU's engineering program is top-notch and we're pleased it has chosen to partner with the Port on this important project."

The Engineering Design for Sustainability project is what is known as a Capstone Course, meaning it is the graduate group's final requirement for a masters of science in mechanical engineering. The work will be performed at no cost to the port other than incidental expenses for providing documents and other information needed by the students.

The terminal building was originally built 40 years ago at 5,000 square feet and expanded to 10,400 square feet in 1988. It has eight different heating and air conditioning systems. Most of the runway side of the building is large windows facing south and east. In the summer, the sun warms the runway side too much, causing the building to be too hot, and in the winter, it can be too cold. Employees in some areas use space heaters under their desks during the winter.

The engineering recommendations will aim to produce energy efficiency throughout the facility and reduce overall energy consumption.

The Port recently decided not to proceed with building its Kitsap SEED clean technology incubation building, but to look for other ways to encourage clean-tech job creation. At the same time, it pledged to focus on improving environmental and energy efficiency practices in its existing operations. The Port operates the Bremerton National Airport, marinas in Bremerton and Port Orchard, and the Olympic View Business and Industrial Parks.

###