Northwest sailors shiver to save Navy cash - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Northwest sailors shiver to save Navy cash

If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, besides bringing an umbrella to work, you may want to bring something warm. Navy Region Northwest is adjusting the thermostat on its buildings to save on energy expenses. The heat is usually set at 68 degrees, but starting March 18, the temperature will be reduced to 66 degrees. Then, during non-working hours, the temperature will be dialed down to 60 degrees.

It impacts more than 60,000 sailors and civilians who work in the region, including ones at Navy Magazine Indian Island, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett, and Naval Base Kitsapp, all in Washington state. The region also includes Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska.

Also, the heat will be turned off earlier in the year and the air conditioning will be switched on later in the year. Specifics will be released in a future instruction, a Navy memo states.

“This combined early shutdown of heating and delayed start of cooling seasons will not exceed a total of four weeks and will be based on regional temperature forecasts,” it says.

And when the “cooling-season” begins, the air conditioning will be set at 80 degrees.

Computer server rooms and other areas that require lower temperatures are exempt from the policy.

The Navy didn’t say how much money this will save, but the Energy Department said that lowering the heat cuts energy consumption by one percent for each degree reduced per eight-hour period.

Besides the temperature, commands are instructed to “eliminate plug loads” for personal appliances such as space heaters, radios, refrigerators and similar devices. Instead of using these personal devices, command leaders are supposed to encourage their personnel to use communal coffee messes and other shared equipment. Also, when personnel leave they should shut down their work computers and printers instead of leaving them on overnight.

Also, lighting will be reduced both inside and out, but not to the point where it would violate safety regulations.