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NAVFAC Reduces Energy Consumption at Pearl Harbor

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090708-04
Release Date: 7/8/2009 2:19:00 PM

By James Johnson, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii invested in high-tech occupancy sensors to reduce energy consumption at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

A $569,680 contract was awarded June 26 to RMA Land Construction, Inc., based in Brea, Calif., to make improvements in 54 buildings at Naval Station Pearl Harbor, including some on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Wahiawa and at the Navy-Marine Golf Course.

"We're very excited about this project," said Greg Gebhardt, energy program manager for Navy Region Hawaii and NAVFAC Hawaii. "This is going to give significant cost savings, and it gets us further along the road in complying with the mandated three-percent-a-year energy conservation goals of Executive Order 13423."

NAVFAC Hawaii tested similar technology in a limited number of rooms two years ago, and after seeing positive results, applied to Congress for Energy Conservation Investment Program (ECIP) funding to install sensors in additional buildings throughout Naval Facilities on Oahu.

Endorsed by NAVFAC headquarters, the project received a high ranking in the submission process because it generated a large amount of energy savings for the amount invested, according to Dan Magro, ECIP program manager at NAVFAC's Engineering Service Center in Port Hueneme. The program is expected to result in energy savings of more than $130,000 per year.

"The most common energy behavior problem is people leaving the lights on in their workspaces," said Gebhardt. "The consumption of power by lights is also the most costly energy expense next to air conditioning in our Navy work areas. This project leverages technology to solve both of these problems."

Three types of sensor technology will be used to automatically turn off lights and air conditioning when a workspace is unoccupied. One type uses infrared technology that can detect heat from persons in the room. Another is an ultrasonic sensor that detects noise and motion. The third type is a combination sensor using both sensor technologies. The rooms will be outfitted with the most appropriate device to ensure effectiveness for the specific work environment.

The project is scheduled for completion in July 2010.