Marines

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An attendant of the first Energy Fair held at the Marine Corps Exchange aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune observes one of the interactive and engaging displays, Oct. 14. The base Energy Fair was the first of its kind to specifically target energy related technologies and the Department of Defense and Marine Corps energy reduction vision.

Photo by Cpl. Miranda Blackburn

Base energy initiatives presented at first energy fair

14 Oct 2011 | Cpl. Miranda Blackburn Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

During the first Energy Fair held at the Marine Corps Exchange aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, booths displayed photovoltaic panels, light-emitting diodes, otherwise known as LED’s, lighting and futuristic field technology, recently.

The base is exploring use of all the green technologies available to include a $45 million project to install photovoltaic panels on carports and open areas across the base and 60 LED streetlamps installed at newly-renovated base gates at the main, Piney Green and Sneads Ferry entrances that will save the base 50 percent in energy costs and 90 percent on maintenance.

The Energy Fair combined cutting-edge technology with projects illustrating what is currently in the works for MCB Camp Lejeune, other military installations and in the civilian industry.

The incorporation of the Marine Corps growing themes of behavior change and the Expeditionary Energy Strategy were highly encouraged throughout the interactive and engaging displays.

The base Energy Fair was the first of its kind to specifically target energy-related technologies and the Department of Defense and Marine Corps energy reduction vision.

Ensign Walter Anderson, assistant public works officer for Public Works Division, MCB Camp Lejeune, said the base is in the midst of projects to install photovoltaic panels, geothermal heat pumps and other energy-saving devices at locations across the base.

New barracks that are under construction in Wallace Creek will have an energy usage of net zero, meaning the buildings will consume only as much energy as they independently produce.

Anderson said the focus of the Energy Fair was that service members and base personnel need to start making energy–saving choices in their daily work routines.

Recommended changes are simple: turning off lights not in use, keeping room heating and cooling moderate and powering down equipment at the end of the day.

The base has also participated in events like the Expeditionary Energy Strategy focus group that was held Oct. 18 to spearhead a campaign focused on widespread behavior change based on energy use.

To discuss energy goals for the expeditionary Marine, MCB Camp Lejeune plans to host an Expeditionary Energy Strategy event later this year. On Oct. 31, the base will observe “Lights out Lejeune” for two hours during the day to remind base residents of the importance of energy saving.

For more information on energy awareness, visit Mccslejeune.com/energy.