October often brings about thoughts of changing weather, apple cider and Halloween treats. But what about thinking of October as a great month to save money and improve national security'
Since 1991, the United States has observed Energy Awareness Month in October as a way to promote the wise and efficient use of the nation's energy. As a military community, it is important to recognize energy conservation is a team effort and everyone plays a vital role.
"Energy conservation requires that we not only build and operate our facilities efficiently, but also that everyone understands they play an important role in reducing energy demand," said Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander Col. Darcy A. Brewer.
There are three very main reasons why energy conservation should be important to everyone.
First, saving energy saves money. As consumers, saving energy means more money stays in a person's pocket. For military and government employees, saving energy means tax dollars can be spent on more important programs.
Second, saving energy and investing in renewable energy makes America safer and more economically stable.
And, third, saving energy reduces the consumption of natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
"Individuals can make small, daily habit changes that can make huge energy savings in the aggregate, like flipping the light off on the way out, consolidated use of coffee pots, microwaves and refrigerators instead of each individual having all three," Brewer said. "All these small changes can reduce our energy demand."
The Presidio of Monterey's Directorate of Public Works staff is working to reduce the installation's energy use. All federal facilities are required to reduce energy consumption in increments of 3 percent per year, to a total of 30 percent no later than fiscal year 2015.
DPW staff is striving to achieve these goals and to put the Presidio of Monterey on the forefront of sustainability and conservation. As such, DPW officials have been working closely with the Presidio Municipal Services Agency and Pacific Gas and Electric Company to identify and implement energy-efficiency projects throughout the Presidio of Monterey and Ord Military Community.
In addition, the DPW will soon have a three-person energy team, with the responsibility of working closely with the Defense Language Institute and garrison organizations to help manage the installation's energy more efficiently. The directorate has completed numerous energy-conservation projects and has even more scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2010.
For example, people may notice motion-sensing light switches being installed throughout the installation - these switches help prevent lights from being left on accidentally. In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has funded the replacement of inefficient exterior lights in the 600 and 800 series barracks on POM, as well as installing energy-efficient windows in building 661. These are just two examples of the many projects taking place to help make the Presidio of Monterey more energy efficient.
At this point, community members may be wondering what they can do to help conserve energy. First and foremost, keep in mind that a majority of the success of any energy-conservation program depends on the individual person, the end-user. To conserve energy, consider these tips both at work and at home:
Aca,!Ac Keep heater thermostats between 70 and 74 degrees when a room is occupied and between 50 and 60 degrees when unoccupied. Dress warmer whenever possible. Aca,!AcTurn off lights when not in use.
Aca,!Ac Set your computer's power plan to the "Power Saver" mode. Aca,!AcTurn off printers, monitors and peripherals when not in use.
Aca,!Ac Plug electronic devices into a power strip and turn off the power strip when not in use.
Making energy conservation a part of a lifestyle requires commitment and may seem hard at first.
But, like any other habit, it will become second-nature after a short time and people won't even realize they are doing it. Everyone is in this together, and together everyone can make a difference. Try to make energy conservation a habit.
People with suggestions for facilities-related energy-efficiency improvements should submit their ideas through the Army Suggestion Program at https://armysuggestions.army.mil. For more information about helping to conserve energy, contact the DPW Energy Team at (831) 242-7781.
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