MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Scout Staff Camp Pendleton was recognized for shining brightly when it comes to saving energy for the second year in a row.
Representatives from Camp Pendleton received the Energy Efficiency/Energy Management Awards to Small Groups at the 2003 Federal Energy and Water Management Awards ceremony held this week in Washington D.C. It marked the second time in as many years the base was singled out for energy saving efforts.
"It gives us a pat on the back," said Randy Monahan, the resources efficiency manager for Camp Pendleton's Energy Office. "It tells us we're doing things right."
Camp Pendleton buckled down on energy consumption more than two years ago in response to an Executive Order issued in 1999. It mandated that federal organizations cut energy consumption 30 percent by 2005.
Monahan said Camp Pendleton is on track to meet that goal. Last year, the base realized nearly $2 million in energy savings.
That came through several projects, including replacing steam boilers in barracks. Camp Pendleton replaced 20 steam boilers with domestic hot-water heaters that run 35 percent more efficiently and require less maintenance.
"We look at every dollar we can save," Monohan said. "Last year, our electric bill was $14 million."
Monohan said simple steps Marines can take every day could further increase savings. Turning off lights when leaving rooms and shutting down heaters or air conditioners when not in use can add up.
The savings, he said, turn into money that can be spent improving Marines' quality of life.
"What you're getting from all that is new refrigerators for the barracks," Monahan said. "We're able to put chillers in the clubs. These are all things that make life a little nicer on the base."
The energy-saving projects aren't over either. Plans are in the works to install photovoltaic streetlights, or lights powered by solar power, instead of linking the lights to the base's electric grid.
"When we get it going, we'll be the largest push for solar streetlights for a federal installation," Monohan said.
The base's energy award comes just as Camp Pendleton is readying to kick off Energy Awareness Week. Information, displays and bulb exchanges will be held in three areas aboard the base.
The first will be Wednesday at the 51 Area Commissary, the second on Nov. 13 at the 20 Area Commissary and the final one Nov. 14 on Mainside.
All events run from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. For more information, call the Energy Office at 725-0566.