An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Unit Energy Manager Program Supports Energy-Efficient Behavior across the Corps
23 Mar 2015

A reliable supply of energy and water on installations is critical to maintain consistent, mission-essential operations and to allow Marines to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis. Success in combat begins with preparation on bases, and this preparation is no different when spreading energy-efficient behaviors. In line with efforts to drive energy use reduction, the Marine Corps is establishing a Unit Energy Manager (UEM) Program, which will lay the foundation for the implementation and adoption of energy-efficient behaviors.

Through the UEM Program, tenant commands will appoint a UEM who will act as the energy point of contact within each unit. In this role, UEMs will educate fellow Marines about how reducing energy use both at work and at home, addressing energy issues within their unit, and conducting regular facility walkthroughs to identify inefficiencies. They will receive training and resources to help them accomplish their responsibilities, developing not only expertise in the field of renewable energy but also vital leadership skills.

The main goal of the UEM Program is to engender a culture of conservation across Marine Corps installations through the communication of installation energy goals and objectives to Marines. Currently, energy expenditures on base account for almost 20 percent of the Base Operations Support budget. This program will provide Operational Commanders with greater visibility of energy resources and create a touch point with Installation Energy Managers and Installation Commanders regarding energy use within each tenant unit, ultimately contributing to a reduction in energy demand. Greater visibility of how resources are used in each unit will contribute to more informed energy priorities at each installation.

Understanding and altering our habits is essential to keep our force flexible and strong throughout changing global environments. The UEM Program will illustrate a direct correlation between energy efficient behavior and energy savings – simple changes in behavior that will add up to large savings over time. The changes are low effort and, once integrated, will simply become another part of operations. By taking energy and water saving actions on base – whether at a U.S. installation, or at an operating base – Marines have the power to make the Corps more agile and to increase mission effectiveness.

The Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), led by Major General Juan G. Ayala, exercises command and control of Marine Corps Installations via regional commanders to provide oversight, direction, and coordination of installation services and to optimize support to the Operating Forces, tenants, and activities. The MCICOM Facility Operations and Energy (GF-1) mission is to provide policy, conduct programming, and oversee the execution of programs and functions relating to Energy, Utilities, and Facilities Operations/Services across the Marine Corps to fully and cost-effectively support Marine Corps readiness and quality of life.


SSgt Jose O. Nava

Okinawa Marines

PAO Okinawa MCB Camp Smedley D. Butler Unit 35002 FPO AP 96373-5002