GROTON, Conn. - In today's environmentally conscious world, energy conservation is a must, last year the Navy's energy budget came up short and with the prediction of a long and cold winter this year's budget could be more of the same.
With winter on the way there are several things you can do to limit the energy you use.
"Instead of turning up the heat dress warmly and to protect against drafts," said Certified Energy Manager Dave Skipper. "A light coat can stop the draft, a pair of thermal socks and short boots can warm the feet and an attractive cap/hat or scarf will help prevent heat loss from your head."
In Fiscal Year 2009, Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) was the highest consumer of energy per square foot in all of Naval Region Mid-Atlantic (MIDLANT). We are also an operations base and this task consumes a fair amount of electricity that other bases do not require. Let us not use it as a reason to be the highest, but a motivator to get below the others and prompt their improvement as well. On the brighter side, SUBASE Public Works Department (PWD) also supports the lowest consumer per square foot of energy in MIDLANT, the Naval Support Unit (NSU) at Saratoga Springs, a clear example of how a non-operations facility might use less than others.
"Last fiscal year it was common to find open windows and doors in all building types," said Skipper. "This leads me to the next thing we can control. If it is too hot, place a trouble call and if the issue is not remedied after the technician indicates the issue is resolved, place a repeat call."
Do not fall prey to accepting that it will never be fixed, a squeaky wheel will get greased.
Last year, SUBASE building managers and occupants documented to SUBASE PWD Energy Manager Conservation efforts that calculated at $192,333 in energy reduction efforts for the 17 buildings which reported. A great contribution and appreciated by the U.S. taxpayers.
"Our base consumes energy at 12 times the level of my own home, some of this is attributable to mission, but not all," said Skipper. "NSU is double my home's consumption on a per square foot basis, per occupied hour of the day, lets narrow the gap."
The base energy manager is available for questions and training of building managers and occupants. Call Dave Skipper at (757) 377-0190 for their availability, Skipper's office is in Building 135 on the first floor. Let's use the resource and show what can be done by the world's leader in submarine warfare.