Saving energy on base

  • Published
  • By Stephanie Bemrose
  • The Bombardier
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale members are encouraged to take measures to reduce energy consumption, due to an executive order to meet a budget.

Barksdale's annual utility budgets include $3.4 million for electric, $1 million for natural gas and $200,000 for water.

Funding is only provided for 95 percent of the budget, creating the need for all base members to be vigilant about reducing use.

Lt. Col. Mickey Addison, 2d CES commander, said Barksdale members should conserve energy because it is the right thing to do and it also directly contributes to the combat capability of Team Barksdale.

"Contrary to prior years, Barksdale units could be required to pay the difference between what we spend and what we're allocated, so it is in everyone's best interest not to waste energy," the commander explained.

Each small step can help achieve this goal.

"Every little bit of conservation helps us out," said Capt. Jason Lukken, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron chief of maintenance engineering.

Small steps will lead to bigger steps such as Energy Savings Performance Contracts and the Air Force Energy Initiatives Pilot Test Program here and at McGuire AFB, N.J., Captain Lukken said.

All Barksdale Airmen and civilians should ask themselves if they need something or it is merely comfort and convenience.

"When you leave your work areas and homes, turn the lights off," Colonel Addison said. "Every dollar we save is one more dollar we'll use for training, supplies, and temporary duty assignments. Lastly, energy conservation means using energy smartly while at home as well. Those living on base should understand that their utilities aren't "free", but come from the base's energy budget.

"Energy conservation is everyone's responsibility," Colonel Addison concluded. "Working together, we can do our part to make Barksdale energy-efficient."

Tips to save energy at work, home
-- Keep lights off in break rooms, storage rooms and conference rooms when not in use

-- Turn off printers when not in use

-- Turn off monitors at night and over the weekend

-- Turn lights off when leaving a room. Standard, incandescent light bulbs should be turned off whenever they are not needed, while fluorescent lights should be turned off whenever the room will be empty for more than 15 minutes

-- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in place of comparable incandescent bulbs

-- Use task lighting over a small area rather than lighting a full room

-- Use dimmers, motion sensors or occupancy sensors to prevent energy waste

-- Close shades during hot periods to keep rooms cool and open shades on sunny days during cool weather to help heat rooms

-- Report leaky piping, faucets and toilets to building managers to save water

-- Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning system components' filters and coils clean and repair missing installation

-- Use a power strip to turn off camera and cell phone chargers, which use standby power when not in use

-- Set temperatures lower during winter and warmer during the summer during periods when the home is not occupied

-- Landscape with native plants which are adapted to natural rainfall in the area

-- Fill water jugs and putting them in the refrigerator to help keep temperature cool when opening the door often

-- Use fans instead of air conditioning

-- Use Energy Star appliances and electronic equipment. For product listings and energy-savings calculators, visit www.energystar.gov

-- Use toaster ovens, microwaves or crock pots instead of large ovens when possible

-- Use a power strip to turn off camera and cell phone chargers, which use standby power when not in use

-- Wash and rinse clothes in cold water

-- Use water-conserving showerheads and faucet aerators