Reducing the energy consumption of the military is claimed to save soldier’s lives

Reduced energy consumption in the Ministry of Defence

According to military alliance NATO, climate change affects “not only the natural environment but the security environment as well”.

Their Annual Report states: “NATO is working to improve the energy efficiency of its forces and increase the use of renewable energy in the military… Smart energy solutions can not only save money when less fuel is used, but can also save soldiers’ lives, and help improve the mobility, as well as the resilience and endurance of military forces”.

The definition of sustainable energy developments in the forces

In the British Army, Navy and Airforce, sustainable energy development needs to take into consideration so much more than your standard business.

Therefore, the Government have outlined two key principles that ensure the quality of our defences are not compromised:

✓ “Defence must be resilient to current and future environmental, social and economic threats”
✓ “Defence must realise the positive and minimise the negative impacts that defence activities can have on the environment, people and the economy in the UK and overseas”

(Source: www.gov.uk/ministry-of-defence/)

Why is sustainable energy development important to the Ministry of Defence?

Instability in the energy sector has the potential to cause a massively negative impact on the UK and, by extension the entire world.

With our modern lives and the defence of our country relying so much on the ability to gain easy access to electricity, gas and water, the threat of losing this could be apocalyptic.

As conventional power resources begin to dwindle, it only makes sense to start a pre-emptive strike and tackle the issue and adapt to new pastures before it becomes a current and real threat to our existence.

The Ministry of Defence itself is aware of the issues facing our power supply and as a result are using energy consumption reduction measures so they can reap the following benefits:

✓ Using fewer natural resources means reduced defence spending in this area, therefore more funding will be available to be invested in aid, humanitarian needs and equipment to support our soldiers
✓ A reduced reliance on fossil fuels would result in a decreased need to transfer such resources to the frontline, meaning less troops need to risk their lives by doing this
✓ Being more sustainable has the potential to increase public support for the defence sector as a whole. In time, this could create a better environment in which UK businesses can operate, as well as aiding successful defence operations and the recruitment and retention of our soldiers
✓ Taking action to reduce consumption and become sustainable will cost less in the long term than trying to adapt or upgrade to meet the same standards.

Measures to reducing energy consumption in the Ministry of Defence

In order to reduce energy consumption, last year NATO forces implemented a range of initiatives.

In June, the organisation conducted its first Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course. 1,700 troops took part in trial combat operations using low-carbon technologies such as small portable fuel cells, micro grids to improve a camp’s energy management; low-energy technologies for water purification; LED lights; and roll-up solar panels.

According to the US Navy, “transforming our energy use enables us to be better war fighters, to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower”. In this mindset has seen the Navy introduce biofuel into its warships and agree a solar power purchasing agreement.

They are now implementing an initiative known as the Great Green Fleet, which aims to highlight how the Navy and Marine Corps are using energy efficiency and alternative energy to increase combat capability and operational flexibility.

“Innovations like roll-up solar panels not only reduce the carbon footprint of military activities but also reduce the risk to human life that often comes with transporting fuel in dangerous areas.” adds the NATO report.

But how can energy consumption be reduced? The MOD are focusing their sustainability development on the following three areas, as a priority:

✓ Sustainable infrastructure: The Ministry of Defence is one of the largest landowners in the UK. Situated on their land is a range of facilities that require a transitional process to become more sustainable
✓ Sustainable procurement: Choosing energy suppliers that provide clean and sustainable power
✓ Sustainable ICT systems:

Momentum is picking up in this area and progress is already being made:

“between 2007 and 2011 approximately £18.7 million has been spent on energy efficiency measures for around 120 Defence Infrastructure projects. This has delivered ongoing approximate annual savings of £5 million.”

This more than proves the potential for drastic savings when you look into energy consumption reduction and management methods. The future development of sustainable practices is necessary for the Ministry of Defence to cut their energy bills.

The cost of running equipment alone is estimated to be in the region of £450m a year, so even a small change in attitude or practices could have a massive impact on spending!

How can Military grade energy efficiency measures help your business?

The implementation of consumption reduction and clever energy management strategies can have positive implications on any business, in more ways than one!

✓ Get a better reputation with customers by boasting green credentials
✓ Stay ahead of environmental trends
✓ Reduce your costs
✓ Reduce the stress of dealing with your business energy

At Exchange Utility, we can help you to reduce your costs and consumption using energy management strategies that are tailored to your business. We understand that there is no single solution to this, therefore our personal approach can give you the maximum return on investment.

You can get started with reducing the impact of energy costs on your business by getting support from Exchange Utility. We can help you with the following:

✓ Business energy tariff comparisons for a range of UK providers
✓ Cost and consumption reduction advice
✓ The identification of additional perks and discounts for your business energy supply
✓ Ongoing support and energy strategy development

Get in touch with our business energy experts today on 0800 9777 000 or complete our online form using a few details from your latest gas or electricity bill to get started.