Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia announced Naval Air Station Sigonella as the winner of the 2016 "Energy Biggest Loser" competition, Aug. 2.

The competition compared the weekly energy use of each of the region's installations during the month of July to their historical usage during the same time period in previous years. The winning installations were chosen based on the greatest percent reduction in electrical consumption.

NAS Sigonella had the greatest reduction having decreased their overall energy consumption by 15.6 percent. They will receive the first place prize of $70,000. Navy Support Activity Souda Bay earned second place with a reduction of 13.1 percent, and NSA Bahrain earned third place for decreasing usage by 11.5 percent. Second and third place winners will receive $50,000 and $30,000 respectively. The cash prizes awarded to the installations will go toward base improvements.

This marks the third year of the "Energy Biggest Loser" competition held throughout the EURAFSWA Region and the second win for NAS Sigonella. Antonio Piluso, Sigonella's installation energy manager, attributed their success to efforts in raising awareness.

"We shared tips on how people could reduce their energy consumption such as making sure lights in offices are off, switching off the computer monitors and speakers during lunch breaks, turning off computers at the end of the work day, and not leaving doors or windows open in a spaces with air conditioning on," said Piluso.

In addition to the main competition, individuals were also challenged to create posters and videos to promote awareness, provide education, and encourage participation. Heather Judkins, of NSA Souda Bay, was selected as the winner of the poster competition and Ken Cornia, of Naval Station Rota, won the video competition.

These efforts were designed to inspire installations' communities to be proactive in conserving resources and bringing down energy related expenses ashore.

"Reducing energy consumption is one critical aspect of cutting energy costs ashore," said Dan Lougen, Navy Region EURAFSWA assistant regional engineer's Energy Program manager. "Since everyone consumes energy, it takes each of us to actively change our behaviors with regard to energy use. The EBL contest is designed to help generate awareness in the spirit of friendly competition, which led to the region's overall reduction."

Lougen added that cost savings we create ashore free up dollars that can be used in the fleet to support operations and improve the tactical performance of our forces.

The Energy Biggest Loser competition was inspired by the Navy's ongoing energy conservation initiative started in 2009 by the SECNAV. Known as the Great Green Fleet, the program aims to reduce the Department of the Navy's consumption of energy, decrease its reliance on foreign sources of oil, and significantly increase its use of alternative energy. Energy expenses are the single largest cost for Navy installations, reflecting about 28 percent of Navy's shore budget. Reducing energy costs will help us reach the SECNAV's energy goals.

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