Edwards takes 'action' during energy-conservation month Published Oct. 8, 2014 By Jet Fabara 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With October designated as Energy Action Month throughout the federal government and the Air Force, the Air Force is educating Airmen on ways to maximize their energy efficiency and mission effectiveness through its "I am Air Force Energy" campaign. To add to those efforts, Team Edwards will be showcasing its conservation efforts and continue to implement ways in which Airmen and their families can make more energy-aware choices. "Since this year's Air Force theme is 'I am Air Force Energy,' we want individuals to take personal action and actively pursue energy conservation. Simple acts by individuals such as turning off lights and monitors, to closing doors and windows when not in use, can add to considerable cost savings and energy conservation," said Gerald Boetsch Jr., 412th Civil Engineer Group. "Energy Action Month serves as a nationwide reminder to actively pursue energy conservation all day, every day." Prior to EAM, Boetsch said Team Edwards' energy-conservation efforts have been in effect since the beginning of its Project84 implementation in 2013. "The concept of Project84 is fully aligned with Energy Action Month. Project84 looks to reform and correct inefficiencies in the way the 412th Test Wing operates to improve operating efficiencies and lower operating costs," added Boetsch. "Utility payments are a significant cost not only to households but to the base. By using energy more efficiently, we can control cost, since our energy costs are based on time of use." Aside from showcasing Edwards' conservation efforts, Boetsch noted that the base will observe EAM by providing energy conservation tips and best practices throughout the month and year to include having utility suppliers and local energy-conscious vendors showcase their efforts and products. "Through the California Public Utilities Commission programs, our electrical supplier and our natural gas supplier will provide instructional and interactive displays to help educate the community," Boetsch said. "In addition to this, an Edwards Energy Conservation memorandum is issued twice per year. The Summer Season Plan comes out in May and the Winter Season Plan comes out in October." According to Boetsch, the purpose of these plans is to give individuals and facility managers guidelines for their building's temperature set point that balance the need for energy conservation with the need of a productive and comfortable work environment. "These set points are for the space, and depending on the location of the thermostat, it may need to be higher or lower depending on the overall temperature of the space," said Boetsch. Regarding when energy conservation began at Edwards, Boetsch noted that efforts began as early as the late 1990s to early 2000s with the installation of the Energy Management Control System - supervisory, control and data acquisition - often referred to as SCADA. This system allowed several buildings to operate in occupied and unoccupied modes, thus saving energy by not heating and cooling buildings while they are empty. "Our leadership has always recognized the need for energy conservation and cost control," said Boetsch. "With the construction of Bldg. 3000 we implemented the first thermal energy storage system. Electricity is the most expensive in the summer months from noon to 6 p.m., which are the hottest parts of the day. TES allows us to generate ice in the later evening/early morning hours of the day when electricity is the cheapest and then use that ice to cool the building during the most expensive times of the days. Lighting is a huge contributor to energy usage and we have several projects in the works to replace the lighting in our facilities." The Air Force launched its month-long series of educational opportunities and activities with a letter to all Airmen from Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody. The leaders wrote, "Energy is a fundamental component of all Air Force operations. The smart use of energy means flying our aircraft farther, transporting more cargo and accomplishing our mission in a more efficient and effective way." Energy Awareness Month dates back to President George H.W. Bush. In September of 1991, he declared October National Energy Awareness. In 2011, President Obama took it a step further proclaiming Energy Action Month. Simply put, "We must take action to conserve energy." Edwards Energy Action Month Schedule of Events: Tuesday, Oct. 14 Solar Plant Tour, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Solar Plant located at Lancaster Blvd. and Wolfe Ave. Wednesday, Oct. 15 Energy Event, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Exchange Parking Lot. Southern California Edison will have their Energy Van featuring new and exciting ideas on energy conservation. Typically a big hit is the energy bicycle. Participants can peddle their way to energy efficiency. Pacific Gas and Electric will display ways to conserve natural gas (nearly half of our energy usage here at Edwards AFB). We will have local vendors displaying their solar products as well as local car dealerships displaying their hybrid and electric vehicles. Thursday, Oct. 14 Thermal Energy Storage System, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bldg. 3000 Come and see how we make ice during the evening and night hours for use to cool the building during the hottest times of the day.