Energy Monitors Lead Command Drive Toward Energy Conservation

Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville is taking a top-to-bottom approach. Especially on promoting a culture of awareness. Also to manage energy use and prevent energy waste. 

More than 40 Buildings

With more than 40 buildings on the air station. That’s providing electricity to each results in a huge electric bill each month. While the command is turning to alternative energy sources such as solar panels to generate power, it’s also taking an aggressive approach to eliminating energy waste at all levels. This includes everything from reducing fuel consumption for military vehicles, to conserving water, installing more efficient lighting systems and appliances, and better managing energy use throughout the air station. 

Reduce AC Energy Use

“Our huge air conditioning systems throughout the base draw a tremendous amount of energy,” said NAS Kingsville Commanding Officer Capt. Mark McLaughlin. “And so does our building lighting and computer operations. On average we spend about $6 per minute per day on electricity, and that’s why it is so important that we look for ways to reduce our energy use.”

Nat Garcia is the BEM for the Consolidated Bachelor Quarters (CBQ) and Enlisted Barracks. He and his team monitor 45 rooms at the CBQ and 35 rooms at the barracks. Early next year his staff will move to a new Gateway Inns and Suites building, with more than 90 rooms. With all lodging facilities open 24-hours a day, it’s important that all CBQ and aarracks personnel are involved in the departmental energy conservation program.

Over the past year, Garcia and his team have :

1. replaced 56 older model refrigerators will new, Energy Star® efficient models. 
2. installed 356 light bulbs for ceiling fans and light fixtures with energy-efficient 60-watt light bulbs
3. installed new efficient shower heads in all rooms
4. reduced the number of lighting fixtures. In the laundry and common areas
5. installed motion-sensor light switches that turn power on when individuals enter the room and turn the lights off when they exit. FYI Lighting occupancy sensors are a technology that can save up to 30 percent in energy consumption, according to Navy energy statistics. 

Plans

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus laid out five aggressive energy goals in October 2009 to improve energy security and efficiency. Also increase energy independence, and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy. This initiative assists in achieving the energy goal of increasing alternative energy afloat and ashore where by 2020, the Department of the Navy (DON) will produce at least 50 percent of shore-based energy requirements from alternative sources and 50 percent of DON installations will be net-zero.

Source: US Navy

For more news from Naval Air Station Kingsville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nask