AFMC Command News

Eglin Energy Challenge champions announced

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Members of the 308th Armament Systems Wing in building 349 captured first place in the Team Eglin Energy Challenge by reducing their energy usage by 6.6 percent over a one-month period.

"We are not going to stop," said Randy Brown, 308th Armament Systems Wing director. "Every kilowatt saved is returned to the community."

Buildings 349, 350 and 351 competed for a plaque, poster, bragging rights and ultimately to conserve energy. The three buildings were chosen due to their similar size, construction and age. The units were judged by a percentage of reduction in energy, and only electricity use was measured. The 308th Armament Systems Wing (349, 350) and the 53rd Wing (351) occupy the buildings. The total amount saved by the occupants of the three buildings was about $4,500 in the one-month period.

"On average, there was about a five percent energy reduction," said Col. Bruce McClintock, 96th Air Base Wing commander. "If we applied the five percent savings annually throughout the base, we could save $1 million."

Colonel McClintock spoke of the importance of resource stewardship while presenting the award to the winning team.

"The competition was about more than just statistics," the colonel said. "[Resource stewardship] should become a part of the culture, and it is a part of how we do business,"

The newly established Eglin Energy Management Center organized the event and took the meter readings. The center started by taking a baseline reading before the contest and took additional readings for the four weeks following the Feb. 11, 2010, kickoff.

"The main purpose of the contest was to conserve energy, reduce demand and change culture," said Paul DerSarkisian, Eglin Energy Management Center energy efficient technician. "We feel that each of the facilities won by reducing their energy footprint."

The tenants of building 349 attributed their win to a team effort, said Erbert Johnson, building 349 facilities manger.

Members contributed in unique ways. For example, the 690th facilities team updated the marquee inside the building to scroll energy savings tips as users walked by. However, the entire 308th Wing, located in buildings 349 and 350, has been practicing energy savings techniques for the last several years, including ensuring all non-essential electrical appliances and lights are turned off when not in use and recycling approximately 2,600 pounds of material per week.

"This contest gave us an opportunity to explore more options," Mr. Johnson said. "The more we contribute, the more we save."