CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton received multiple Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Awards, Nov. 3.

The SECNAV Energy and Water Management Awards recognize Sailors, Marines and civilian employees whose ingenuity and dedication led the way to achieving energy goals within the fiscal year.

“Award winners in the Marine Corps set the standard for other bases,” said Charles A. Howell, an energy technician with the Energy Office aboard Camp Pendleton. “I think it drives other bases to strive harder to reduce excessive consumption of energy and water in day-to-day activities. This award is for the base as a whole and reflects a shift in the Marine Corps energy ethos initiative.”

In addition to the individual awards given Camp Pendleton earned the Platinum and Gold Level of Achievement awards for outstanding energy and water programs, and an exceptional year for energy project execution during the fiscal year of 2015.

In 2015, Camp Pendleton installed and brought online five photovoltaic systems, which collected nearly 3,500 kilowatts of energy. These systems also reduced Camp Pendleton’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by 11 million pounds.

The photovoltaic systems on base help reduce the amount of electricity the base has to purchase from the local utility. The amount of electricity generated by these systems is equivalent to 13 million vehicle miles driven and is enough energy to power over 1,000 homes for one year.

“The mission depends on every Marine and Sailor properly managing the energy resources they are given,” said Howell. “On the base and battlefield, energy efficiency increases our reach, lethality and frees up costs for other mission critical priorities. Proper management of resources ensures resiliency and mission effectiveness.”