The measures include, but are not limited to, reducing radiator temperature settings, managing the use of the rolling blinds common in German buildings, and turning off exterior lighting that is not providing a security benefit. The memorandum also includes an additional document with more detailed strategies for reducing consumption.
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WIESBADEN, Germany – Army garrisons in Europe are taking concrete measures to reduce energy consumption, in a move to support the European Union mandate to reduce gas consumption in the months ahead.
In guidance sent to garrison commanders, IMCOM-Europe Director Tommy R. Mize provided several actions for commanders to take in garrison-controlled facilities, “as good stewards of the resources provided to the Army by Congress.”
The measures include, but are not limited to, reducing radiator temperature settings, managing the use of the rolling blinds common in German buildings, and turning off exterior lighting that is not providing a security benefit. The memorandum also includes an additional document with more detailed strategies for reducing consumption.
“We’re facing energy-supply challenges, together with our host nations, and the Army wants to be part of the solution,” Mize said. “We must reduce fuel and energy consumption; otherwise, our costs will continue to rise.”
The energy-saving strategies include short- and medium-term recommendations and facts about the meaningful effect that small changes in room temperature have on energy efficiency.
“These are simple and impactful things that we can do,” Mize said. “Success depends on the support of our unit leaders and the actions of individuals working and living on our installations”
Garrison commanders will have latitude to apply additional measures to conserve energy, where they are able, and are expected to share these ideas with each other and Soldiers and families in their communities.
Garrisons will develop inspection and enforcement measures and evaluate their effectiveness, according to the memorandum. Mize hopes to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures when the heavy heating season has passed. Lessons learned will be applied to the next season.
“We want to lead on this. We want to set the example, and we should be able to enforce this ourselves. By focusing on and reducing our consumption, we will be able to drive down costs,” he said.
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