Joseph P. Cirone NSAW Assistant Public Works Officer Lt. Kathryn VanVreede, left, Cdr. Steve Revelas, NSAW public works officer, and NSAW Commanding Officer Capt. John Sears unveil an NSAW Energy Conservation Drive poster, supporting the command's efforts to save water and energy.

At Naval Support Activity Washington (NSAW), making people aware of the energy they consume daily and calling attention to the need to reduce wasteful consumption of energy and water is more than just a month-long endeavor, it is essential.

Lt. Kathryn VanVreede, NSAW assistant public works officer and the command’s transportation and utility coordinator, emphasized the need to conserve energy and water in order for the command to remain within its utility budget.

NSAW’s utility budget has been reduced during the current fiscal year and is expected to remain in a reduced state for the foreseeable future, said Cdr. Phillip Raimondo, NSAW executive officer.

In order to stay within the allotted budget, water consumption must be reduced by at least 3 percent and energy by 2 percent, VanVreede said.

To help meet the goal, the NSAW public works department has launched an energy awareness campaign.

Posters, surveys of buildings to find ways to reduce energy and water waste, and personal contact with people are being combined with an informal contest that will recognize the tenant commands or offices that achieve the greatest reduction in energy and water use, on a quarterly basis, VanVreede said.

‘‘There will also be cash rewards at the end of the fiscal year,” she said.

‘‘Simple changes in habits are all that it takes to help us save water and energy. Turning off computers, monitors, lights and fax machines at the end of the work day; turning off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving; reporting water leaks, lights or appliances that are left on in unused spaces, all help and add up to big cost savings,” said Capt. John Sears, NSAW commanding officer.

Unless the reduction goals are met, money may need to be diverted from other NSAW programs and operations to pay for the excess utility cost — a choice not favored by the command.

‘‘We can meet the goals. We can continue to provide our tenants, employees and visitors with a positive experience while they are on our installations. At the same time, we can be proud that we are continuing to support and foster the Navy’s stewardship and environmental goals and properly utilize the funding entrusted to us by taxpayers,” Sears said.

Supporting green initiativesand alternative energy

Responding to a question from a Naval Heritage and Historical Command representative at a recent Tenant Executive Council meeting held at the Washington Navy Yard, VanVreede reported that studies are underway at two NSAW buildings to determine whether they could have solar panels installed as alternate energy sources.

Cmdr. Steve Revelas, NSAW public works officer explained that NSAW competed against and was selected along with a small number of other commands to be included in the study.

‘‘NSAW is proactive in seeking ways to reduce its consumption of energy and water as well as in the protection of the environment and its natural resources. We enjoy being known as good neighbors and stewards in the National Capital Region,” Sears said.

Volunteer energy monitors wanted

Volunteers from all tenant commands who are interested in serving as building energy monitors to help identify energy and water issues that can be reported to public works and corrected, among other tasks that can help reduce consumption, are being actively recruited.

Interested personnel are asked to contact VanVreede via e-mail to kathryn.vanvreede@navy.mil or by calling (202) 685-8624.

‘‘We want others to be personally involved. We invite our employees and tenant command personnel to take an active part with us as we work together to not only help us meet the energy- and water-reduction goals, but also get satisfaction from knowing that they helped our environment and helped us remain good stewards as well,” Sears said.

Consumption reducing information and tips are being published on posters, in newspaper articles and online at www.facebook.com⁄jointbase and other Web sites.