Naval Base San Diego Clinches Prestigious 2011 GreenGov Presidential Award
A Triumph in Sustainable Military Operations
On November 1, 2011, Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the 2011 GreenGov Presidential Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes NBSD’s outstanding efforts in integrating sustainable practices into its daily operations, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in military installations.
Fierce Competition and Presidential Recognition
The GreenGov Presidential Awards, an annual program celebrating extraordinary achievements in line with President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13514, saw fierce competition. With over 300 submissions from various federal agencies, NBSD emerged as one of two finalists, ultimately clinching the top spot in the “building the future” category.
Naval Base Innovative Strategies Yield Impressive Results
Energy and Water Conservation
NBSD’s commitment to sustainability has led to remarkable achievements:
- Completion of $10.8 million in energy, water, and renewable energy projects
- Annual cost avoidance exceeding $834,000
- Savings of approximately 11 billion British thermal units (BTU)
- Conservation of nearly 30 million gallons of water
- 35.6% reduction in water use from the 2007 baseline
- 14% reduction in energy use below the 2003 baseline
Naval Base Technological Advancements
The base has implemented cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency:
- Installation of 157 smart meters for energy consumption tracking
- Initiation of a building inspection program
- Implementation of a computer stand-by mode initiative, potentially avoiding $290,000 in annual costs
Waste Management and Community Engagement
NBSD’s environmental efforts extend beyond energy conservation:
- Diversion of over 42 tons of electronic and 12 tons of appliance waste from landfills
- Partnership with the local community for continued environmental stewardship
A Year of Accolades
The GreenGov Presidential Award caps off an impressive year for NBSD, which also secured:
- The Chief of Naval Operation’s Environmental Quality Award
- The Secretary of the Navy’s Energy and Water Management Gold Level of Achievement for Outstanding Energy Programs
NBSD: A Cornerstone of the Pacific Fleet
As the principal homeport for the Pacific Fleet, NBSD plays a crucial role in naval operations:
- Home to 56 Navy ships, 2 Coast Guard cutters, and various support vessels
- Hosts over 180 individual commands with specialized fleet support purposes
- Recipient of the 2010 Commander in Chief’s Installation Excellence Award
Alignment with Navy-Wide Energy Goals
NBSD’s achievements contribute significantly to the Department of the Navy’s ambitious energy goals, set by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus in October 2009. These goals aim to:
a)Improve energy security and efficiency
b)Increase energy independence
c)Lead the nation toward a clean energy economy
By 2020, the Navy aims to produce at least 50% of shore-based energy requirements from alternative sources and achieve net-zero status for 50% of its installations.
For more information on Naval Base San Diego’s environmental initiatives and achievements, visit www.navy.mil/.
To learn more about sustainability efforts across Navy Region Southwest, check out https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Search/Sustainable/.
