Real life energy success, energy projects

  • Published
  • By Robin Liggett
  • 354th Civil Engineering Squadron contractor
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  To some, Alaska is at the far end of the Earth, but there are many ways in which Eielson AFB is just like any other place. The federal government sets standards and creates goals for all installations, creating integrity and uniformity at every Air Force Base. Executive Order 13423 "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management" mandates a 3% energy intensity reduction each year or 30% by 2015, a two percent reduction of water consumption annually or a 16 percent total decrease by 2015, decrease petroleum consumption by 2% annually, and at least half of all renewable energy must come from new renewable sources.

Some Air Force bases aren't just complying with federal mandates; they are over-achieving and winning awards.

Minot AFB, North Dakota decommissioned its central heat plant and distribution system and installed ground source heat pumps and facility-specific, high-efficiency boilers. Minot AFB was recognized by the Department of Energy for reducing energy consumption by 26 percent in FY09 and water consumption by 13 percent.

Kadena Air Base, Japan initiated a robust water conservation awareness program, installed more than 300 Energy Star clothes washers, enforced water conservation measures in 1,350 dormitory rooms, and used an aggressive water leak detection and repair program. Kadena's multiple water conservation efforts reduced water consumption by 141 million gallons in fiscal year 2009.

At Hickam AFB, Hawaii, a solar array was co-located with a hydrogen refueling station in the transportation vehicle compound. The solar array consists of more than 800 panels rated for an output of 146 kW. The refueling station still uses the base electrical grid, but only as a back-up since it is now primarily powered by the solar array, effectively saving the base $35,000 per year in utility costs.

Eielson AFB is preparing to install a new solar wall passive heating system on the south wall of building 3425. The passive heating part of the system will help reduce the heating load in the LRS bay of the building and improve the air quality by bringing in pre-heated fresh air. The solar wall part of the system is not only cool, but also helps fulfill the federal goal of generating renewable energy on-site.

354 Logistics Readiness Squadron takes charge of the government vehicles at Eielson AFB and as such, they have adopted the government's interest in reducing fuel consumption.

Eielson used approximately 192,000 gallons of fuel for its vehicles in 2007. Fiscal year 2010 closed out with a consumption of only 179,000 gallons of petroleum. This is a decrease of 6.4%, which surpasses the overall Federal goal. Some of this decrease has resulted from a natural attrition of the fleet: fewer vehicles, but also newer, more fuel efficient models are replacing older vehicles. 354 LRS is taking an active role in lowering our future fuel consumption by implementing routine maintenance and strict inspections to keep fleet vehicles in the best operating condition possible.

This past May, 354 CES hosted Operation Change Out and successfully distributed 1,360 compact fluorescent light bulbs to base residents. CFLs save 75% more energy than incandescent light bulbs, are 90% cooler, and last ten times longer. Remember to turn lights off when you leave a room and keep lights off whenever natural light is adequate. Residents are encouraged to switch to CFLs and practice conservation to help the base decrease consumption.

You may live at the top of the world, thousands of miles from family, but you can still keep up with the Jones' in the world of energy conservation. Save energy, save money, save the environment!