SAVE Award 2011 Ideas

The Military base I currently work on has a Civilian police force that utilize large SUVs (Chevy Suburbans) and pickup trucks. These vehicles are always on and running even when officers are away from vehicles. Whether a few minutes or thirty minutes. This idling causes heat damage (wear/tear) to the engine and vehicle components as well as gasoline use. It seems we could save a lot of money by just turning them off.... more »

Put on demand heaters on all the water heaters on the overnight locations, and in federal buildings. This way the water heater is not constantly running, and is only heated up when actually going to be used.

It should be a requirement that if teleconferencing is available travel by govt vehicle be prohibited. Wear and tear on vehicles would be reduced or eliminated as well as the waste of time driving (or flying) to another location.

Emphasize the option and benefits of working a 32 hour week (4 8-hour days) and cut salary costs by over 20%.

Many employees are unaware they are eligible to work this part-time schedule which would cut salary expenses by over 20% and give employees an extra day off. Permanent part-time employees still maintain almost all benefits and a part-time year is equal to a full-time year when calculating retirement tenure!... more »

I hate stopping at a STOP sign when there is man nor beast (nor car) in sight. It wastes gasoline and generates GHGs. Why not remove the requirement to stop at STOP signs at all times - require stop only when foot or wheel-traffic is close enough to interfere.

I suggest that patient care services give all inpatient nursing staff the option to work 6 twelve hours shifts equaling a 72 hour pay period instead of working 10 eight hours shifts equaling an 80 hour pay period. This would save on gas, and save the VA tons money . This move would bring the VA in step with all other Health care facilities in the area. You would have happier nurses and this would reflect in the care... more »