WASHINGTON -- Navy commands worldwide are participating in Energy Action Month to share information on energy efficiency, highlight Navy's successful energy initiatives, and foster an energy-aware culture.
President Obama declared October as National Energy Action Month and issued a call to action for all Americans to work together to achieve greater energy security.
The goal of 2013 Navy Energy Action Month efforts is to bring about cultural and behavioral change that enables energy security and resiliency. The Navy's energy initiatives are highlighted in October, but continue throughout the year.
The Navy launched a video this month that describes a new information campaign to inspire energy behavior change and awareness among the Navy workforce. The campaign's theme, "Did You Know?" highlights the importance of energy to the Navy's mission. The video can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/1D8JFu-gpzg.
Energy security and mission success go hand-in-hand for the Navy. "Energy is our greatest enabler and our greatest vulnerability both afloat and ashore," explained Rear Adm. Kevin Slates, director of Navy's Energy and Environmental Readiness Division. "Our combat capability is directly tied to the energy we have available-and our ability to use it efficiently so we have it when and where it's needed."
The Department of Defense (DoD) accounts for 80 percent of the Federal government's energy consumption. The Navy accounts for 22 percent of DoD's total petroleum consumption; 84 percent of this figure is consumed in fleet operations. These rates of consumption represent strategic and operational vulnerabilities. By making more energy efficient choices, the Navy can increase capability, reduce vulnerabilities, and enhance resiliency.
"We deliver 1.25 billion gallons of fuel worldwide to operators annually. This represents an Achilles' heel in operators," explains Capt. James Goudreau, director of the Navy Energy Coordination Office. "Our efforts are focused on technology changing behavior to provide options for increased payload, range, or endurance, thus giving commanders greater operational flexibility."
The Department of the Navy is also providing energy-awareness training opportunities for fleet Sailors and aviators, Marine Corps expeditionary operators, and shore energy managers. The training sessions will focus on energy savings practices, culture change, and increasing awareness of energy use.
At the Pentagon, Navy Energy Action Month posters and electronic billboard signs are helping to increase awareness of Navy energy initiatives.
Energy Action Month is also a perfect opportunity to highlight ways Sailors and civilian personnel can reduce energy consumption. For lists of ideas, visit http://dld.bz/energy-action-month.
How are you taking action to save energy? What does energy resiliency mean to you? Join the conversation at #NavyEnergy.
Do you have ideas on how the Navy can take action to save energy? The Navy wants to hear them! The new Collab Lab tool, developed by Navy Warfare Development Center, allows individuals and institutions to submit energy efficiency ideas, comment on ideas posted by others, and vote on the ideas that are already there. Become part of the solution and submit your energy ideas on the Collab Lab page at http://dld.bz/collab-lab.
