Does it make sense for the Pentagon to dim the lights because it is energy awareness month?

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:01:03 -0400

I received a DoD News email letting me know "Lights Dimmed at Pentagon in October for Energy Action Month" At first I thought it might be a DuffleBlog "news" email; but, no it came from DoD.
Is this a good idea, safety hazard, or business as usual?
http://www.defense.gov/News-Article-View/Article/622175/lights-dimmed-at-pentagon-in-october-for-energy-action-month?source=GovDelivery

Lights Dimmed at Pentagon in October for Energy Action Month

The lights have been dimmed at the Pentagon for October as part of federal efforts to conserve resources for Energy Action Month.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 7 at 2015 11:03 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:03:58 -0400

The Pentagon is dark enough in too many places as it is. Dimming the lights to any meaningful degree to save energy seems counterproductive.
Since DoD competes with other Federal departments for budgets slices I wonder where the energy savings will be reallocated - or is this like carbon dioxide credits which can be cashed in or sold? :-)

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 11:04 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:04:38 -0400

Just turn off all the lights and have people work by candlelight and lanterns.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 7 at 2015 11:08 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:08:18 -0400

It would make more sense to dim the lights year round, or to swap to more energy efficient lights as a matter of course.

Why use temporary measures when you can take permanent action?

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 11:08 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:08:49 -0400

lol just take all the light out then lol

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 7 at 2015 11:15 AM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:15:09 -0400

LTC Stephen Ford, this is Old History remember we did this in the 70's, in fact we even put a sticker on all light switches and also changed the AC and heater settings, and don't forget the ARMY sweater.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Oct 7 at 2015 11:22 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:22:13 -0400

I actually tried to save energy all of time when I was in positions to do so.

Response by MSG Kirt Highberger made Oct 7 at 2015 11:32 AM

MSG Kirt Highberger — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:32:08 -0400

There are other ways to support the campaign

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 7 at 2015 11:46 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 11:46:32 -0400

This is a stupid PC stunt. It makes no sense to have people tripping over things in the dim light.

If they want to save energy they should install motion detectors that turn the lights on when someone enters the area and off when there has been no movement for 5 or 10 minutes.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 7 at 2015 12:10 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:10:21 -0400

The pentagon wants to show everyone what dim bulbs they have making these decisions? It is patently ridiculous to dim the lights for energy awareness one month a year. Instead they should maybe try using high efficiency LED lights year around, or (if they are actually concerned about energy consumption) make other changes that will increase lighting efficiency such as motion sensors.

Response by CPL Jason Hawken made Oct 7 at 2015 2:15 PM

CPL Jason Hawken — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 14:15:44 -0400

The white house in constantly lit up like a Christmas tree....Why doesn't the Obama turn down his lights. Even better, his 747 uses 5 gallons per mile. Then he flies it around the world to meet with dignitaries to discuss "saving energy." Turning down the lights at the pentagon is as dumb as the french taking the day off recently to reduce smog.