Unit Energy Manager Program For Energy-Efficient Behavior

 

Cline, right, have a discussion while observing an energy-efficient advanced power system after an energy efficiency briefing Feb. 26 outside the Camp Foster Theater on Okinawa. The technology provides alternative power options for energizing communications equipment, computers and other electronic equipment in an expeditionary environment. Nuar is a native of Manassas, Va., and logistics officer with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Cline is a native of Denver, Colo. and a logistics officer with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan — 1st Lt. Stephen Stavish, left, and 1st Lt. James Patterson, right, observe and discuss the use of a solar panel after an energy efficiency briefing Feb. 26 outside the Camp Foster Theater on Okinawa. The panels, an element of the Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network, use energy taken from the sun and convert it into electricity. The panels provide alternative power options for energizing communications equipment, computers, and other electronic equipment in an expeditionary environment. Stavish is a native of Watchung, N.J. and an operations officer with 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Patterson is a native of San Antonio, Texas and logistics officer with 3rd TSB, 3rd MLG, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brittany A. James/Released)

Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. – A reliable supply of energy and water on installations is critical to maintain consistent, mission-essential operations and to allow Marines to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis. Success in combat begins with preparation on bases, and this preparation is no different when spreading energy-efficient behaviors. In line with efforts to drive energy use reduction, the Marine Corps is establishing a Unit Energy Manager (UEM) Program, which will lay the foundation for the implementation and adoption of energy-efficient behaviors.

Through the UEM Program, tenant commands will appoint a UEM who will act as the energy point of contact within each unit. In this role, UEMs will educate fellow Marines about how reducing energy use both at work and at home, addressing energy issues within their unit, and conducting regular facility walkthroughs to identify inefficiencies. They will receive training and resources to help them accomplish their responsibilities, developing not only expertise in the field of renewable energy but also vital leadership skills.

The main goal of the UEM Program is to engender a culture of conservation across Marine Corps installations through the communication of installation energy goals and objectives to Marines. Currently, energy expenditures on base account for almost 20 percent of the Base Operations Support budget. This program will provide Operational Commanders with greater visibility of energy resources and create a touch point with Installation Energy Managers and Installation Commanders regarding energy use within each tenant unit, ultimately contributing to a reduction in energy demand. Greater visibility of how resources are used in each unit will contribute to more informed energy priorities at each installation.

Understanding and altering our habits is essential to keep our force flexible and strong throughout changing global environments. The UEM Program will illustrate a direct correlation between energy efficient behavior and energy savings – simple changes in behavior that will add up to large savings over time. The changes are low effort and, once integrated, will simply become another part of operations. By taking energy and water saving actions on base – whether at a U.S. installation, or at an operating base – Marines have the power to make the Corps more agile and to increase mission effectiveness.

The Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), led by Major General Juan G. Ayala, exercises command and control of Marine Corps Installations via regional commanders to provide oversight, direction, and coordination of installation services and to optimize support to the Operating Forces, tenants, and activities. The MCICOM Facility Operations and Energy (GF-1) mission is to provide policy, conduct programming, and oversee the execution of programs and functions relating to Energy, Utilities, and Facilities Operations/Services across the Marine Corps to fully and cost-effectively support Marine Corps readiness and quality of life. (SSgt Jose O. Nava, Media Relations SNCOIC)

 

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