ST. PAUL, Minn.- The Minnesota National Guard has issued a challenge to its armories in 63 communities across the state. Beginning April 1, all armories, excluding Camp Ripley, will compete in the 2014 Energy Efficiency Challenge to reach goals outlined in the the adjutant general's campaign plan.
The Minnesota Army National Guard is required to reduce energy by three percent annually based on Federal Executive Order. Facilities that decrease energy usage by three percent from the previous year baseline will receive a recognition award. The facility with the greatest usage reduction may be eligible to receive an energy efficiency facility upgrade. The challenge is for one year and and will be evaluated after the fiscal year 2015 first quarter.
"We are issuing this challenge not only because of mandates and regulations, but to encourage energy conservation which is paramount to our nation's security and economic stability," said Col. Larry Herke, construction and facilities maintenance officer, Minnesota National Guard.
"Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and employees can, through simple conservation practices, greatly reduce annual energy usage," said Marty Skoglund, environmental program manager, Minnesota National Guard. "Energy conservation not only reduces stress on the environment, it also provides additional dollars which can be used for other mission support."
Facilities that received a deep renovation in 2013 or 2014 will not be eligible for the incentive awards, but are still encouraged to take actions to limit energy.
The Minnesota National Guard has made conservation and efficiency a focus in its planning, renovations and new buildings using green standards. The recently completed Field Maintenance Shop (FMS) on the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) is one such building. It has many features that were designed to fit the goals of sustainability set by the Minnesota National Guard and has received a LEED (Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Every service member can help decrease the Minnesota National's Guard Energy footprint by doing simple things. With more than 13,000 service members in the Minnesota National Guard, each person saving 10 cents worth of resources a day would save almost a half million dollars each year.
"One action an individual can take to control energy usage is being aware of your plug load," said Bob Jeffries, energy manager, Minnesota National Guard. "A plug load is the energy consumed by any electronic device that is plugged into a socket and this accounts for 10-15 percent of commercial energy use. Many items draw power even in standby mode. Managing plug loads through easily accessible power strips is a good start."