The Department of Defense , being the largest government user of energy, has stressed the importance of mitigating the risk caused by fluctuating oil prices and supply shocks by striving towards energy independence.
Keeping this in mind, Camp Pendleton officials would like to remind those aboard the base to pursue energy independence and increase energy efficiency by following a few simple tips.
USE WHAT YOU NEED. ELIMINATE THE WASTE.
Marines are taught to be resourceful and efficient as speed and mobility are important in a rapidly changing combat environment. In garrison, being resource-conscious and eliminating waste is just as important as it leads to direct energy savings. Simple actions such as turning off computers when not I use, turning lights off in unoccupied facilities and opening windows instead of using air conditioning can all reduce energy consumption.
DO MORE WITH LESS.
As an expeditionary force in readiness, Marines are called to action at a moment’s notice and are expected to conduct operations despite limited logistical support. In garrison, Marines can take steps to reduce their energy consumption and save money by doing things such as:
- Using fans, if available, instead of air-conditioners. Two fans, rather than an 8,000 BTU room air conditioner running four hours a day will save over 1.150 kWh and $345 a year.
- Shortening showers. Cutting just two minutes per shower can save up to 1,533 kWh and $460 per year.
- During warm/summer months, set your thermostat to the warmest comfortable setting. Each degree above 75°F saves approximately three percent of the energy used to cool your home. Do the reverse in cold/winter months so you don’t overheat your home.
BE GREEN MARINES.
Recycling conserves energy. When new products are made, energy is expended to extract and process materials. Less energy is used when products are manufactured using recycled materials. According to the Energy Protection Agency, recycling 1 ton of aluminum cans conserves 1,665 gallons of gasoline required to produce the same amount of new aluminum cans. Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 2 barrels of oil and 4,100 kWh of energy – enough to power the average American home for six months.
For more information about energy conservation, please call the Camp Pendleton Base Energy Office at (760) 725-0566.