The Marine Corps is known for doing more with less.
According to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany energy officials, the Corps continues to find resourceful ways to support its warfighters through cutting costs and saving energy by reducing the consumption of electricity, fuel and water.
MCLB Albany has reduced its energy output significantly, according to Dan Greene, resource efficiency manager, Installation and Environment Division, MCLB Albany.
Greene said it is a federal mandate that all Department of Defense installations reduce energy use by 30 percent by fiscal year 2015.
“MCLB Albany has reduced its energy output by 40 percent,” Greene said, “and more than a year (ahead of) our deadline.”
According to Eddie Hunt, energy manager, MCLB Albany, October is designated as National Energy Action Month, which is a federal program that encourages energy and water conservation in federal facilities.
“Energy Action Month is an opportunity for Marine Corps leadership to enhance awareness, change behavior and to instill the energy ethos, which is the shared vision that the efficient use of energy resources is a very important part of the readiness mission,” Hunt said. “The desired result is that new awareness and habits will be formed during this month that will lead to long-lasting behaviors that will help the mission, make us more resilient and reduce energy costs.”
MCLB Albany will participate in EAM in a variety of ways including distributing promotional materials such as posters, flyers and calendars around the base.
In addition, I & E officials will host a quarterly Utilities Conservation and Appraisal Board meeting this month.
The focus will be on utility consumption profiles of tenant commands, as well as the introduction of the Unit Energy Manager program.
“The Unit Energy Manager program is intended to be more robust and command-focused than the Building Energy Monitor program, which it replaces,” Greene said.
“The UEM, a service member E-4 or above, or civilian equivalent, will report on energy issues to the unit and will work directly with the installation energy manager for instruction, guidance and training,” he said.
“A UEM will be responsible to eliminate energy waste for his or her command,” Greene added.
Five easy ways for individuals to save energy in the workplace and at home include:
- Setting room thermostats higher or lower depending on the season to save energy, particularly when unoccupied, or turning off altogether;
- Further regulating room temperatures by opening or closing window blinds or drapes;
- Turning off lights and other electrical items when leaving a room;
- Wearing clothing appropriate for the season and the work environment and
- Using less hot water.