JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Small energy-saving personal habits such as turning off lights and powering down office equipment when not in use at Joint Base Andrews have produced big financial savings for the Air Force, and ultimately, the American public.
In fiscal year 2012, the installation achieved direct energy and water/sewer cost savings of approximately $3,164,020.27 as compared to fiscal 2011.
"To continue this money-saving trend at JBA, we have identified areas of energy improvement involving reviewing meter data, building usage and the age of offices. By conducting this research, potential trouble systems can be recognized," said John Schauder, resource efficiency manager, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., who served at AFDW from November 2012 to August 2013. "During fiscal year 2013, our office, in partnership with the 11th Civil Engineering Squadron, completed two projects, which included lighting and water, as well as mechanical upgrades. These renovations will save the installation a projected $150,000 to $200,000 per year."
Reducing energy and water use on JBA presented some unique challenges especially on the installation's east side, which includes several 50-to 60-year-old buildings. Some of these buildings are now being utilized for purposes not intended during original construction. Nevertheless, upgrades to the base's 150 facilities such as occupancy sensor lighting, low-flow shower heads/commodes/sinks, as well as boiler/chiller replacements enhanced personal comfort level and utility savings.
Although JBA decreased direct energy and water costs by more than $3 million in fiscal 2012, unanticipated variables such as weather, installation population, demolished and excluded buildings, load shedding, as well as utility rate changes can affect future expenditures or savings. Recent base utility usage data, however, displayed a significant drop to meet guidelines established by Presidential Executive Order #13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management," signed Jan. 24, 2007. For energy efficiency, U.S. government facilities must reduce energy intensity (energy used per square foot) 30 percent by 2015 based on three percent decline each year beginning in fiscal 2006 relative to the baseline 2003. Similarly, the PED requires a 16 percent decrease in water consumption by 2015 compared to a fiscal 2007 baseline.
"JBA has cut its energy intensity about 60 percent as compared to the 2003 baseline, which this year would be 24 percent. Thus, we are exceeding requirements by 36 percent. Likewise, the base has reduced water usage by 29 percent from the 2007 standard, which for 2013 would be a total of 12 percent," said Mohammed Alikhani, base energy manager, 11 CES. "Team JBA can continue to exceed PED #13423 requirements and increase utility cost savings by simply turning off electrical outlets when not in use, as well as conserving water resources. Each one of us can make a difference and we are all responsible to be good stewards of the taxpayer's money."
During fiscal 2012, the Air Force paid $9.2 billion for energy-related costs, but in that same time period, the service earned $1.5 billion in utility and water consumption savings. Like JBA, the Air Force has made, and continues to do so, strides in curbing its energy footprint. For example, in March 2011, the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team performed here on a 50/50 mixture of JP-8 and biofuel.
Reduce energy use serves as the focus of Energy Action Month, but the three-word philosophy can be experienced 24/7/365.
"I am impressed at the work the base has done the last eight to nine years towards meeting the federal mandates. Energy savings like the $3 million plus in FY 2012 do not occur in many places," Schauder said. "Some of the controls to help reduce electrical and natural gas usage have been done at JBA. It is going to be difficult to find more projects as we are (and have been) proactive in implementing energy-saving projects."
More information on Air Force energy initiatives and Energy Action Month can be accessed at the following links:
http://www.af.mil/energyinitiatives/index.asp
http://www.facebook.com/#!/AirForceEnergy
http://www.safie.hq.af.mil/energy/action/energyactionmonth/index.asp
(Editor's Note: This is the first story in a series of four to be published this month in recognition of Energy Action Month, an annual national campaign led by the Department of Energy.)