MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS ISLAND, South Carolina -- Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island received the Secretary of the Navy Energy and Water Management Conservation Award Oct. 21, 2014, earning a $45,000 prize.
Over the past 20 years, the Facilities Maintenance Division of Parris Island has implemented technologies such as automatic control systems for air conditioning and heating, solar heating panels for hot water and LED street lights.
“We want you to have the most comfortable, effective office and living conditions possible while using the least amount of energy,” said Richard Pierce, the installation energy manager for the depot.
Although Pierce is responsible for finding ways to conserve energy and water, he does not take full credit for this achievement. He said that the credit for an award like this goes to those on the base doing their part, the staff in the Facilities Maintenance Division and the engineers and contractors that work with them.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 and The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 directed all federal agencies to reduce their energy use by 30 percent by fiscal year 2015. Parris Island surpassed that during the third quarter of fiscal year 2014 with a 35.46 percent reduction in energy use.
“In this time of fiscal austerity, efficient energy and water management are critical to our mission,” said Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Commanding General Brig. Gen. Terry Williams. “The Parris Island energy management program is noteworthy, and I am excited and humbled by our recognition from the Secretary of the Navy. I have a phenomenal team of Marines, sailors, and civilian staff members who have devoted countless hours and research to making our program one of the best. They are more than deserving of this acknowledgment of their hard work.”
Pierce stated that with their earnings the Facilities Maintenance Division plans on continuing to improve systems across the depot through future energy saving projects.
This is the sixth time the depot has earned this award in the last 20 years.