Team Edwards works to reduce energy usage

  • Published
  • By Lorenzo Fulmore
  • 95th Civil Engineering Directorate
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  For Energy Awareness Month in October, the 95th Civil Engineering Directorate challenged Team Edwards to reduce electrical consumption by 2 percent from fiscal year 2009.

Team Edwards reduced electrical consumption by turning off unnecessary lights, replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs and identifying and replacing inefficient equipment. As a result of the base-wide initiative, the first quarter of this fiscal year demonstrated that the Edwards community reduced its average annual consumption by 1 percent, exceeding the quarterly goal.

"This is a great start and I know you are up to the challenge" said James Judkins, director of 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate.

The results of the energy conservation effort will be posted on Centernet under the Energy Awareness Campaign link. 

"Electricity powers the mission," said Enrique Torres, the Base Energy manager. "It also plays a critical role in the health of the environment. Energy demands increase with the population, which may increase substantially in the future. so I implore each and everyone to contribute such as remembering to turn off exterior lights at work and home."

Energy efficiency and conservation are two ways to reduce consumption. Energy efficiency is the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function. For example, a compact fluorescent light bulb produces the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb, yet requires less energy to do so. Energy conservation includes any behavior that results in using less energy, such as recycling and turning the lights off when leaving a room.

"Our heavy-use months are fast approaching, so base personnel should continue to use energy wisely and seek new ways to save on consumption," said Gerald Boetsch, the Base Utilities manager. "Every light bulb counts when it comes to conserving energy and reducing of the carbon footprint of federal facilities"

The recognition of Team Edwards hard work came when the energy team was a runner-up for the fiscal year 2009 Air Force Energy Conservation Award.

"This was a team effort and the entire Edwards community shares in this achievement," said Mr. Judkins. "Everyone's commitment to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions at Edwards makes a substantial difference in utility savings and the security of our nation.  Edwards AFB ranks first in (Air Force Materiel Command) when it comes to reducing the carbon footprint."

Energy consciousness, through efficiency and conservation provide quick and cost-effective ways to reduce energy-related emissions that are linked to global warming, climate change, acid rain and smog. 95th CE personnel ask Team Edwards to "consider energy conservation in all we do!"

"Edwards AFB is the leader in flight test world-wide and with your continued efforts and contributions will soon be the leader in Energy Conservation world-wide," Mr. Judkins concluded.