Building Energy Monitors Look to Reduce Waste at Pax

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Patuxent River hosted training for building energy monitors (BEMs) from across the installation April 21 at Building 2185. Pax is keeping a close watch on energy usage to mitigate waste and save money.

Assigned in writing by commanding officers across the installation, BEMS play a central role in the Navy's energy program by monitoring every building across NAS Patuxent River while communicating energy goals, encouraging positive habits, serving as points of contact, and ensuring buildings are running efficiently.

"BEMs are essentially our eyes and ears for the energy program," said Karl Bryan, NAS Patuxent River energy manager. "We've empowered the BEMs to help create a strong energy culture and to focus on reducing energy intensity and water intensity.

"BEMs also link the energy management program to each building and help provide facility managers and other leaders the tools and information to help NAS Patuxent River achieve mandated energy and water reduction goals," Bryan said.

According to the Navy and Marine Corps BEM Guide, utilities account for an average of 40 percent of shore operating budgets each year, with office electronic equipment, lighting and HVAC equipment soaking up much of the power used.

The guide notes small fixes, such as installing occupancy sensors, replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs, and reducing plug loads on electrical outlets as ways to save power and money. Personnel are encouraged to shut down computers and other office equipment during nights and weekends, as simply putting computers into sleep mode still draws power.

"Having a person at the building level gives more insight into the day to day concerns and maintains focus on building specific problems related to energy/water waste," Bryan explained.

"The corrective action performed at building level is tracked by the energy management team using an automated checklist on a share drive and monitoring service tickets and work input to Public Works Department."

BEMs are encouraged to regularly check in with building occupants and note any problems that may arise if those thermostat temperatures rise beyond set points, causing inefficiency or discomfort for those working within the building.

"In accordance with Naval District Washington's energy policy statement, use of energy resources must be a priority for all hands at all times," Bryan said.

"The building level approach ensures that we have a person to address energy waste that is reflected in utility costs," Bryan noted. "BEMs help foster a positive energy culture. This culture requires adherence and persistence in enforcing a new way of doing business."

For more news from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, visit www.navy.mil/local/patuxent/.