Maxwell on target for energy goal

  • Published
  • By Carl Bergquist
  • Air University Public Affairs
Maxwell-Gunter is currently on target to meet this year's energy goal, but the civil engineering manager for CSC said with the summer months approaching, it will take everyone's help to achieve the goal.

John Prior said the goal is to reduce electrical energy use 15-percent from the 2003 base line, but a problem is electricity rates have increased compared to last year's rates. He said even though usage is about the same as last year, the base will experience about an eight-percent increase for fiscal year 2009.

"The Air Force theme for energy conservation is, 'Secure today's energy -- fuel tomorrow's mission,' and a key to making our goal is to use less electricity whenever possible," he said. "When lights are not being used, turn them off. Also look at outside lighting. Don't jeopardize security and safety, but ask yourself, 'do all those lights really need to be on?' And, please turn outside lighting off during daylight hours. These may seem like simple and obvious things, but they are some of the actions that can really help Maxwell-Gunter stay on goal."

Mr. Prior said the base has already paid more than $6 million in utility bills this fiscal year, and there are ways to meet both the base's energy needs and its conservation efforts. He said compact fluorescent lights that replace more common incandescent bulbs are big energy savers. Fluorescent lights provide a savings of approximately 70-percent compared to traditional filament bulbs, and he encourages everyone to use them.

"Doing dishes and laundry early in the morning, later at night or on weekends also provides energy savings," Mr. Prior said. "At those times, you're not using electricity during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and electricity rates are about a third less."

Other areas that contribute to energy conservation include the use of "energy efficient" appliances; consolidating break areas in offices; and keeping the indoor temperature at Air Force standards.

"By Air Force regulation, offices should be kept at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months, and unoccupied spaces should be kept at 84 degrees," he said. "Also, we are coming into what is traditionally a 'no cool-no heat' period, usually April to mid-May, where outside temperatures are about the same as inside temperatures. Take advantage of this time and don't use HVAC systems."

Mr. Prior said another summer-time conservation opportunity involves water use.

"The Air Force now has a goal for water usage, and that is to reduce that usage each year by 20-percent over the 2007 base line," he said. "We achieved the goal last year, but again, it is going to take everyone's help to achieve it this year."

Mr. Prior said being careful about watering lawns and washing cars are two ways to help with water conservation. Also, be sure dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded before running them, as that will reduce both water and electricity usage.

"Also, due to mission expansion at Gunter Annex, which has brought many new offices and a lot of new equipment, members over there need to bear down on their usage," he said. "Anything personnel at Gunter can do to focus on conservation is a big help."

For additional information, call Mr. Prior at 953-6945, or e-mail him at john.prior@maxwell.af.mil.