Net-Zero Camp Housing (current project)

The U.S. Military currently operates 750 bases in 80 different countries, with over 225,000 service members stationed overseas. Maintaining these bases comes at a significant financial and environmental cost, especially as many rely on outdated infrastructure that impacts soldiers’ well-being. Poor living conditions, exacerbated by unreliable power systems, contribute to mental health challenges among service members. These military installations range in size from sprawling “Little Americas”—giant city-sized garrisons—to smaller, more secretive “Lilly Pads” (Vine, 2015). This thesis will focus on medium-sized camps, where the infrastructure depends on microgrids powered by fuel-driven generators to sustain essential operations and living conditions.

Meanwhile, in civilian contexts, Net-Zero housing—designed to minimize energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels—is becoming a viable solution. Applying Net-Zero principles to military camps would reduce fossil fuel dependence, enhance operational security, and significantly improve the quality of life for soldiers.