AFMC Command News

Energy projects abound at Wright-Patterson AFB

  • Published
  • By Derek Kaufman
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  October is energy awareness month and base energy program officials here are reminding everyone to do their part to help meet national goals to reduce peak energy consumption 30 percent by 2015.

With new, more aggressive mandates for energy conservation in federal facilities and an increased emphasis on renewable sources, the Air Force is looking to highlight the importance of energy in the overall mission and is executing a three-pronged strategy to reduce demand, increase supply and change the culture.

As part of the effort, Wright-Patterson leaders are implementing a range cost effective energy projects and educational outreach to enhance awareness, said Gavin Jones, base energy manager with the 88th Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate.

A number of base "green energy" projects have been funded with construction work already underway, or soon to start, Jones said. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 federal stimulus dollars are making most of the work possible.

Among the projects are:

- Lighting upgrades at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and throughout the base
- Upgrade of energy management system controls in the museum's hangars
- Survey and replacement of steam traps across the museum and Area B
- Insulation replacement on above ground hot water piping along the West Ramp
- Insulation replacement on steam and condensate piping in Area B steam tunnels
- Design project to install geothermal system at museum Hangars
- Installation of door seals on museum buildings and upgrade of transformers

"Energy conservation at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is nothing new," Jones said. "As base employees and taxpayers you can be a significant player in energy conservation. Making energy a consideration in all we do starts by being observant and then taking action."

Jones offered a few things everyone can do which collectively can make a big reduction in energy consumption:

- Turning off unneeded lighting
- Keep an eye out for overheated or overcooled work spaces
- Turn off computer monitors and speakers at the end of each day
- Turning off appliances like coffee pots when people have finished their last cup
- Properly shutting down work areas a as you leave each day
- Promptly reporting maintenance issues to the Real Property Building Manager

For more information, visit Capt. Kilowatt's Energy Savings Tips at the bottom of the Wright-Patterson public webpage at www.wpafb.af.mil .