CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton hosted a weekly Unit Energy Manager training program in May to train representatives from each unit.
Marines from units aboard Camp Pendleton, and throughout MCI-West bases, were trained in energy awareness and efficiency and how to provide operational commanders with greater visibility of energy use and resources in barracks and workspaces. The Marines are also certified to be Unit Energy Managers and are able to provide installation commanders and installation energy managers greater awareness of energy use.
“The MCI West energy ethos is important because it focuses on energy conservation,” said Aaron Fielder, regional energy advisor for MCI-West. “Energy saved means money saved. We can invest that money into our ranges, our welfare and recreation funds, and into better training for our Marines. All this allows them to be more effective and enables them to accomplish the mission.”
The MCI West Energy Ethos recognizes that energy is a strategic resource. Many of the subjects covered during the program were energy information, energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy security. The main goal of the program is to reduce installation utility execution costs by 10 percent in 5 years. Utilities currently account for 19 percent of Base Operations Support costs.
“We can cut energy consumption by 10 - 14 percent just by increasing awareness and through simple methods like turning off lights or electronics when you leave the room,” said Betsy Lind Hall, Unit Energy Manager training coordinator and planner. “Last year Camp Pendleton’s utility bill cost 26 million dollars, and 10 percent of that is already 2.6 million dollars, which could have gone into training our Marines.”
The program also aims to increase the base’s ability to recover after an emergency that affects energy infrastructure, improve mission effectiveness by instilling lean energy habits to carry to the battlefield and meet Federal mandates for energy reduction.
Participants of the program have the opportunity to gain expertise and understanding in the fields of energy and efficiency, recognition and award opportunities based on excellent performance, training on business audits, management, communications and planning, and exposure to leadership by reporting energy data, sharing best practices and discussing unit efforts.
“The program provides Marines with additional technical skillsets and leadership skills,” said Capt. Michael Robinson, energy officer with Marine Corps Installations Command. “As we develop a grading system, it will also allow Marines to measure their performance and be recognized for it.”
For more information on the training, please visit the Base Energy Department website at http://www.pendleton.marines.mil/About/BaseEnergy.aspx