Commentary: Working to meet energy savings goals

  • Published
  • By Cliff Richardson
  • Chugach Management Services JV
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  We all have a responsibility and ability to change the way we view daily energy use and to find ways to help everyone do the same. This is the culture change that people talk about. It is hoped that it will become second nature for everyone.

Energy savings is important in everyone's life since it affects what you do in the office and at home. Each of us pays for the energy we use somehow no matter where we live. Recently, with the scare of global warming, it has definitely become an environmental issue.

The Department of Defense has developed a strategic energy management plan. This plan has four pillars. These pillars develop a corporate strategy for meeting or exceeding our energy goals by fiscal year 2015 and they identify critical enabling processes and limiting factors for success.

The four pillars:

This includes the need to upgrade facility envelopes, heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, better controls, plumbing, water systems, central plants, interior electric, lighting, recurring work programs, right sizing vehicle fleets and using low speed vehicles. It is in this pillar that we will need the most help from you, the building occupants and especially facility managers. We will be providing information that will help you give us feedback information to help us deliver these programs that headquarters expects.

Included in pillar one are the goals for funding all metering requirements for all the utilities used on base. Extensive energy auditing will begin on each facility.
Improve future infrastructure.

Pillar two addresses future infrastructure needs and is strongly centered on reducing facility energy intensity levels through sustainable design and robust construction and commissioning. It is programmed that 20 percent of all new facility construction will be sustainable and consistent with federal goals.
Expand Renewable Energy

Pillar three focuses on expanding the Air Force's on-site use and generation of renewable energy. Innovative procurement mechanisms will be pursued including special power purchase agreements, special tariffs and grants, and a number of energy project funding avenues. Call the base energy engineer at 846-2757 if you have any other ideas.

Pillar four focuses on managing the noncommodity aspects of utility costs through utility rate negotiation and litigation, reduced utility bill fees and charges, and proper rate assignment. This is particularly important because the new electric supply contract is being negotiated and will be about twice the current rate. Our current rate was obtained six years ago at a very low rate nationally. Even though the rate will be increased drastically, it will still be in line with the industry nationwide.

As you can see from this article, each pillar discusses facility energy. Only pillar one mentions the role that motorized vehicles play in energy use. Nothing is mentioned about aircraft fuel use. These two types of energy definitely play a role in getting the country off the dependency of foreign oil. Initiatives include the use of alternative fuel vehicles. Aircraft technology is looking at synthetic fuels. If you have vehicles that use diesel fuel, consider using alternate fuels. In these ways everyone on base can help with this very important energy reducing and environmental program.