Organizations can also look at mission processes to find larger efficiencies that will support this initiative. Reduction not only saves money, but also improves the installation’s resiliency by reducing overall energy need in an emergency.
The goal is to inspire the total force to be more efficient so they can give the Air Force an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace.
During Energy Action Month, the Air Force will highlight specific steps Airmen can take in their jobs to be more energy aware. Actions like turning off equipment and lights when not in use, ensuring windows and doors are securely shut when a building is conditioned, and reducing vehicle idle times are just a few examples of the ways Airmen can help the Air Force achieve its energy goals and maximize its energy advantage to support the mission.
During the month of October there will be interactive information sharing activities and participation events to include on base energy displays, fact sheets and Skywrighter articles. These efforts will share best practices and celebrate the innovative ideas and accomplishments of Airmen at all levels across the country and around the world who have lowered energy use, reduced water consumption and saved money.
Events planned for Wright Patterson Air Force Base include:
• Lunchtime energy displays
Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bldg. 262, Food Court, Area A
Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bldg. 16, Food Court, Area B
Oct. 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., NASIC Café
• Weekend “Throttle Back” campaigns
Protecting the Air Force’s power resources is not a new idea. Airmen have already greatly improved the Air Force’s energy efficiency over the last several years. Throughout the year, the Department of Energy recognizes teams of Airmen from installations across the Air Force with Federal Energy Management Program awards.
In 2016, the WPAFB energy management team worked with base facility managers, engineering design staff, maintenance work force, local utility companies and the Department of Energy on a comprehensive approach to installation energy management using a combination of innovative strategies.
The team developed an impressive $14.4 million energy savings project, contributing to 271.8 billion Btu of projected annual energy savings.
The team also built a robust rebate program to fund additional projects, culminating in excess of $1 million in energy rebates from Dayton Power and Light Co. with 56.3 billion Btu in annual energy savings.
If you can’t measure energy, you don’t know how much you’re saving so as a result, the team led a concerted overhaul of the base metering program, validating 164 buildings and 324 energy meters while aggressively pursuing an Advanced Meter Reading System.
Attention to detail and forward thinking led to the Air Force Civil Engineer Center selecting Wright-Patterson AFB for a $1.4 million state-of-the-art AMRS two years ahead of schedule.
Finally, the team administered a $7.2 million energy savings performance contract and a $5.6 million utility energy services feasibility study – together expected to save 98 billion Btu and $1 million annually.
Wright Patterson AFB continues the tradition of good stewardship today with the same dedication that has achieved great success in the past. For fiscal year 2018, the base has experienced favorable weather conditions as well as lower electrical costs on a yearly basis by more than $2 million through smart electrical demand management, contracted initiatives and continual implementation of more efficient technologies and facilities.
For more information, email WPAFBEnergyOffice@wpafb.af.mil.
Caption: Right to left, 88th Civil Engineering Group Energy Manager Noah Fillian, Installation Planning chief Michael Tibbs, and Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Arbona, 88th Air Base Wing command chief, look on while Col. Thomas Sherman, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, signs an Energy Action Month proclamation to declare October 2018 as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Energy Action Month. (Contributed photo)
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