Energy conservation: use vs. waste

Photo By Sgt. April de Armas | Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Forrest Jones, a service member deployed in support of...... read more read more

Photo By Sgt. April de Armas | Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Forrest Jones, a service member deployed in support of Joint Task Force Guantanamo, prepares to drive a Geo Gem at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, June 23. The Geo Gem is a battery powered vehicle, which conserves energy by using a small amount of power to recharge its batteries. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released by a court. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations.  see less | View Image Page

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

06.26.2009

Story by Spc. April de Armas 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Energy conservation is an important topic that has been buzzing among law-makers and individuals for some time. U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay is no exception to the commotion being made about conserving energy.

In early 2005, U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay installed four wind turbines and some new generators to improve energy efficiency and in hope of lowering energy costs.

Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey Johnston, public works officer, U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, said although the measures taken to lessen the cost of energy for the base have been successful, there is still a long way to go.

"We have made some changes, but there is a limit to what we are able to do," said Johnston. "We can replace light fixtures and water fixtures with more energy efficient fixtures and limit watering lawns, however, all the residents of the base have to do their part to make a bigger difference."

The average cost to produce power and water for U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay for one year is around $30 million. It cost an average of $26,000 per month just to power (excluding water) all of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay around-the-clock.

"The biggest cost we have with the consumption of power is the creation of water for our residents," said Johnston. "It takes about 5 to 8 percent of the power produced to have safe, consumable water."

In the 1970's, Congress began mandating reductions in energy consumed by federal agencies, primarily by improving the efficiency of buildings and facilities, and by reducing fossil fuel use. More recently, two other bills were passed that would call for a 30 percent reduction in energy use by all federal agencies to include all military branches.

"There are two ways to save power; one is in little ways like people turning off lights not being used, turning the water off while brushing their teeth, and not letting the shower run before you get in," said Johnston. "The other way would be to spend lots of money and have things like wind turbines and new diesel generators installed to improve efficiency however, saving pennies here and there is more productive and less costly in the long run."

Army Master Sgt. Eustaquio Antonetti, J-4 transportation and maintenance non- commissioned officer in charge, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, said his office does their part to conserve energy.

"We make sure all of our computers, monitors and air-conditioners are turned off every day before we leave the office."

Antonetti's office is in charge of issuing vehicles to JTF Guantanamo service members and civilian support personnel.

"We also advise people who come into our shop for a vehicle to keep their tanks no less than half full; the vehicle will use less fuel which saves money and resources," said Antonetti.

In fiscal year 2007, Department of Defense spending on energy to operate its facilities reached almost $3.5 billion. Therefore, Congress continues to look at furthering energy efficiency improvements in aging Defense facilities and buildings as a means to rein in energy consumption.

Army Maj. Reuben Soto, Joint Detention Group S-3 plans and training officer in charge, Joint Task Force, said he feels conserving energy is the responsibility of all and believes if everyone looks for ways to save and conserve, future generations will have a healthier environment to live in.

"Energy sources are so scarce, therefore we need to take care of them and use them wisely," said Soto. "Our office contributes by making sure all our lights, computers, printers and monitors are turned off before we leave for the day."

Service members should realize that if more money is spent on energy consumption, less money is available for other things they might want, commented Johnston.

"[Service members] don't realize it directly affects the ability to provide other things they might want such as travel, training and Moral, Welfare and Recreation projects," said Johnston. "The more money we have to spend on energy the less we have for other things our service members really would like to have."

Raising awareness is an ongoing process that affects everyone from the lowest level to the highest level possible.

Johnston said to be prepared for a "long, hot summer" of energy discussions.

"Be on the lookout for mandated conservation rules that will change the way energy is used coming from Washington, D.C., said Johnston. "Do the right thing and remember that our resources are not a bottomless pit; once it is gone then it is just gone."