Energy awareness month promotes energy conservation

OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.01.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Donald Peterson 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - Marine Corps Base Camp Butler is stepping up efforts to promote energy awareness on its installations across Okinawa during October as part of energy awareness month.

October was declared energy awareness month by presidential proclamation in 1991 on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy. The proclamation promotes energy conservation and awareness to help reach economic and environmental goals.

“Across the nation, federal agencies continue to zero-in on energy targets to stimulate the economy, lower operating expenses, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve long-term energy and economic security,” said Lubka Robertson, energy manager, G-F, facilities, MCB Camp Butler.

The goal for the Marine Corps on Okinawa is to reduce the overall consumption of energy 30 percent by 2015, according to Charles Chen, the resource efficiency manager with G-F, facilities, MCB Camp Butler. The plan also aims to reduce the potable water consumption intensity 26 percent by the end of fiscal year 2020.

“Marine Corps Base Camp Butler pays different amounts for electricity depending on what time of the day it is,” said Robertson. “During the summer season, between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m., MCB Camp Bulter pays 15 percent more for electricity because everybody on the island is using electricity at the same time.”

MCB Camp Butler reduced electrical consumption by 1 percent and water consumption by 9 percent during fiscal year 2012 thanks in part to awareness efforts, such as energy awareness month, according to Chen.

MCB Camp Butler continues to work toward meeting all energy and water conservation goals. Water usage reduction is on pace to exceed the targeted goals for fiscal year 2013, according to Chen.
Though improvements have been made in the past, there are many actions service members and their families can still take to help reduce the daily consumption of electricity and water.

Scheduling energy use for non-peak hours such as the morning or evening is one easy method to reduce a household’s energy footprint. Ensuring windows and doors are closed properly, using natural light, and cleaning the filters on washers, dryers and air conditioners can all make a difference, according to Robertson.
The cumulative impact of energy-saving measures taken by MCB Camp Butler is an important step toward financial and environmental responsibility.

“Here at MCB Camp Butler, we may not get the electric bill directly, but our tax dollars do pay the bill,” said Robertson. “Everyone should treat the camp like they would treat their homes in the U.S. and not waste electricity, especially from 1 to 4 p.m. Remember – it takes everyone’s help to save energy!”

• Date Taken: 10.01.2012
• Date Posted: 10.04.2012 02:36
• Story ID: 95688
• Location: OKINAWA, JP