MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- In this day and age, steps are constantly being implemented to reduce energy consumption any way possible. Conserving energy is a cost-effective way to reduce electric bills. Better yet, it makes energy and electricity cheaper for everyone if more is left to go around.
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune held its second annual Energy Fair at its Marine Corps Exchange Oct. 19 to show examples of ways energy is being saved both commercially and residentially.
“The Energy Fair is a way we can increase awareness across the base,” said Lt. j.g. Walter Anderson, assistant public works officer. “First off, we want to show them some of the different technologies out there as far as energy conservation. When most people hear it, they think ‘turn off your lights,’ but there are so many things that can be done. Secondly, we want to show the people some of the projects going on around base.”
Vendors had booths set up at the entrance of the MCX displaying their company’s new ideas to make the world a greener place.
Erik Feus, a Lutron Electronics, Inc. representative present at the event, said his company specializes in home electric improvements. They developed LED lights with built-in speakers for homes with recessed lighting, and they have also worked to create wireless electronics for everyday household objects.
“We have things from electric blinds to wireless stereo systems,” said Fues. “These items are wireless so they aren’t plugged in 24/7, which does use energy.”
Fues also had a five-watt light on display which he said emits as much brightness as a traditional 60-watt light bulb does.
“Many commercial buildings had these installed for a few years now,” said Fues. “Now it’s becoming something people can put in their houses, and it is just another way to not use up unnecessary electricity.”
Another table showed the progress for the upcoming Wallace Creek Fitness Center. The fitness center is the first building aboard MCB Camp Lejeune to receive a platinum certification from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, an international third-party program used to determine the efficiency of energy savings, water usage, emissions reduction and other things to help improve the environment. LEED is regulated by the United States Green Building Council.
“The Wallace Creek Fitness Center is very well-regulated in the way energy will be used when the building eventually opens,” said Antonio Uzcategui, assistant project manager with Suffolk Construction, the company building the fitness center.
The fair featured both technologies available for in-home use and things people can expect to see in the future around base, since many of the once-expensive energy-saving options are now becoming affordable for families and companies.