Energy, economic stimulus: Where do we go from here? Published June 14, 2009 By 1st Lt. Kyle Bergren 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Energy demand is on the rise and many Department of Energy experts say we might reach peak oil production within the next 15 years. Therefore, it is critical to be adamant stewards and watchers of energy use. The U.S. Air Force uses 65 percent of electricity consumption and 20 percent of fossil fuel consumption in facilities alone. In 2007, President George W. Bush enacted Executive Order 13423 and the Energy Independence Security Act, which mandate that all Federal Facilities reduce energy consumption 30 percent by 2015. In order to encourage requests for energy projects, Congress set aside $250 million per year of stimulus money to the Air Force for energy reduction projects and programs. Civil Engineering has been proactively seeking energy conservation measures among 54 of the largest facilities on base. Since the middle of May, technicians from Civil Engineering have been performing energy audits on Heating/Ventilation and Air Condition, plumbing, electrical and structural systems. In addition, the Pope Energy Manager is performing inspections on occupant comfort and facility operation. "The goal of these audits is to ensure efficient operation of building systems and locate competitive projects for stimulus money," said Capt. Christopher Carnduff, 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron. "Ultimately the projects should save the Air Force millions of dollars, enhance air quality and improve overall occupant comfort." Tech. Sgt. Jason Tye, 43rd CES, said "Energy efficiency not only means replacing old equipment, but also ensuring that current equipment is operating properly. We are finding all sorts of energy deficiencies that we fix on the spot such as broken belts, leaky pipes, old insulation, dirty coils and improperly installed equipment." Here are some simple tips to follow for saving money at home or at base facilities: - Install a programmable thermostat. - Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. - Buy Energy Star rated appliances. - Air dry the dishes. - Clean coils underneath refrigerators and freezers annually. - Turn off the computer, monitor, lights etc. when not in use. - Wash clothes in cold water when possible. - Adding a dry towel with a load of wet clothes cuts 20 minutes from the dryer's cycle. - Clean or replace air filters monthly. - Close blinds or shades on the south and west facing windows of the house during the day For more information, please call the 43rd CES customer service at (901) 394-2821 or the Base Energy Manager at (910) 394-1796.