Energy Awareness in USAFE Published Oct. 8, 2008 By U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- October is Energy Awareness Month, and a good time to remember that reducing energy use goes hand-in-hand with money savings for the U.S. government, or a personal bank account. In 2007, Executive Order 13423 presented federal agencies with a goal of reducing energy consumption by 3 percent each year through 2015 or a total cut of 30 percent based on 2003 usage. Cost avoidance has been vital to U.S. Air Forces in Europe operations since utility costs have increased an average 44 percent per square foot in the past six years. Every energy-wise effort, from turning off lights in unoccupied rooms to green planning in architecture and engineering, can make a difference. And USAFE installations have made significant progress in meeting these energy reduction goals. "Air Force conservation efforts in the Kaiserslautern Military Community have resulted in a 3.9 percent reduction in 2006 and a 5.6 percent reduction in 2007," said Ramstein Energy Manager Jennifer Cooper. "This 9.5 percent reduction includes energy in the forms of electricity, gas, hot water, fuel oil and propane gas for all these AF facilities." A plan to reduce energy consumption within the 435th Air Base Wing is currently under way as well. This plan involves eliminating the use of transformers and replacing 110v appliances with 220v computers, printers and refrigerators. Ramstein is also doing its part in architecture and engineering for reducing future energy consumption. "The green roof being installed in the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center will reduce energy costs to heat and cool the facility by 40 percent compared to similar facilities with traditional roofs," said Major Andy Sheehan, KMCC chief of operations and quality assurance. The Liberty Wing at RAF Lakenheath was awarded the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency Reducing Energy Appreciation Program award for the October 2006 to September 2007 fiscal year for an 18 percent decrease in energy consumption. In addition to other energy reducing efforts, all housing in the new Liberty Village has been equipped with energy efficient appliances and fixtures. "Airmen at Aviano Air Base, Italy boast a 2.5 percent reduction in electrical consumption during the first 9 months of fiscal year 2008," said Mauro Bomben, Aviano AB energy manager. "This conservation is the result of base personnel doing simple things like adjusting thermostats and using energy efficient appliances." Aviano is also converting its airfield lighting from old-style incandescent lights to the latest generation of LED lights, resulting in an annual savings of about $35,000. Switching power sources helped the Airmen at Lajes Airfield reach their 2015 goal within the first year, said Lajes Energy Manager, Max McAllister. "Lajes' unique energy reduction step involved mothballing the onsite generator plant and alternatively buying power from the local island utility company," said McAllister. The Sabers at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, are also doing their part for Air Force energy conservation, said Nobert Lorenz, wing energy coordinator for the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron. "Energy use is 14.46 percent less than five years ago, halfway to the goal," said Lorenz. "The 52nd CES has installed more energy efficient water plant pumps, improved dormitory insulation, and repaired leaking heat distribution lines." As the single largest user of energy in the U.S., the federal government spends more than $9 billion to power its vehicles, operations, and approximately 500,000 facilities throughout the U.S. Efficient energy management at federal facilities: · Saves taxpayer dollars · Reduces greenhouse gas emissions · Protects the environment and natural resources · Contributes to our national security Regulations like the Energy Policy Act of 2005 also require federal agencies to meet a number of energy and water management goals. The U.S. Department of Energy began American Energy Week in 1981 and it evolved into a month-long observance in 1986. On Sept. 13, 1991, President George Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month. Congress has also recognized the importance of energy conservation and has recommended an additional $80 million be allocated to the Department of Defense's Energy Conservation Improvement Project program, of which the Air Force's share is set to be about $24 million. USAFE Civil Engineers will compete for this money by creating energy conservation construction projects. The Air Force has also budgeted $250 million per year for six years specifically for energy conservation projects. Additionally, Air Force Smart Operations 21 program will be seeking energy conservation projects. Energy use reduction tips: Turn off lights Flipping a switch is probably the easiest way to start saving energy. · Artificial lighting is responsible for about 15 percent of an office or home's electricity use. Use energy-saving light bulbs · Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs) may look a little funny, but they use 1/6th of the energy that a standard bulb uses while producing the same amount of light. Shut off home computers At home, turn off your monitor if you aren't coming back for 20 minutes--and shut down your home computer if you are going to be away for more than 2 hours. You can also set the "stand-by" mode, which uses 70 percent less power than normal. Use smart power strips Smart power strips can take charge and turn off extra electronics when detecting that a main unit, like a TV or computer, has been turned off. Turn off entertainment devices when not in use When you leave an electronic device like game consoles, or stereo, on when you're not using it, it's like leaving as many as 3 60-watt light bulbs on. Use natural lighting, heating, and cooling On average, heating and cooling a home accounts for almost half of its energy usage. Unplug your phone charger Phone chargers and other power adapters continue to draw power even if they're not being used. Called "phantom power," it adds up to 5 percent of the nation's power bill. Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances Products with the ENERGY STAR label use less energy than conventional models--usually a LOT less. · ENERGY STAR clothes washers clean clothes using 50 percent less energy than standard washers - and a lot less water. · ENERGY STAR dishwashers use less water and 25 percent less energy than required by government standards. Use programmable digital thermostats Most programmable digital thermostats can help save energy by automatically turning the thermostat back at night or when your family is not at home. Consider home improvements Reduce energy use for heating and cooling from 20 to 50 percent by sealing air leaks, using proper insulation, adjusting your thermostats settings, and making sure the equipment that heats your home's air and water is in good shape.