By Krista K. Catian, Naval Facilities and Engineering Command Pacific
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific and NAVFAC Hawaii hosted an Energy Action Day Fair Oct. 23 at its Makalapa Compound headquarters at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
“One of our goals this year was to go out into the community and spread the word about energy awareness and conservation ideas,” said Amy Hanada, NAVFAC Hawaii energy manager.
“In partnership with NAVFAC Pacific, we were able to successfully enforce the proper action steps for energy savings through this event.”
The second annual Energy Action Day Fair featured informational booths on various energy and water projects from NAVFAC commands such as Pacific, Hawaii and Expeditionary Warfare Center. NAVFAC Hawaii also showcased the command’s hydrogen/electric vehicles and provided energy games with prizes.
“Even with the impact of budget uncertainty, we wanted to provide the opportunity to raise awareness and prompt action to reduce energy and water consumption,” said Edie Evans, NAVFAC Pacific energy manager.
Other Navy commands, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH), along with industry partners, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), Solar City and Forest City, provided hands-on displays and interactive booths.
HECO representatives provided bags filled with energy pamphlets and an informational handbook for emergency preparedness. Solar City displayed their photovoltaic panels and equipment, and Forest City shared their company vision and focus through poster board presentations.
“Forest City’s involvement in the energy fair allowed us to share information on the progress we’ve made in the following areas: energy efficiency and enhancements in new renovation and construction, renewable energy initiatives and energy conservation programs,” said Will Boudra, Forest City Military Communities Hawaii vice president of development.
“We learn from other industry partners and Department of Defense organizations to cross-fertilize ideas for future projects.”
The Navy has established aggressive and challenging goals for energy use reductions and renewable options for the future.
“A primary initiative is to focus on behavioral changes, like turning off the lights, computers, printers, etc. at the end of the day,” said Capt. Pete Lynch, NAVFAC Pacific vice commander. “Although we are highlighting these conservation ideas in the month of October during Energy Awareness Month, we need to reinforce these good habits throughout the year.”
NAVFAC Pacific also recognized the hard work of its core group of building energy monitors (BEMs) for their support to conduct inspections and monthly audits as part of the command’s energy savings initiative.
“The BEM program increases awareness of energy use at the individual level, which is a stepping stone to creating a culture of change,” Lynch said. “Our BEMs often times go unnoticed, but today we recognize their great efforts to save the command energy and taxpayer dollars.”