Vance runs for the money in AETC energy race

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lynn Aird
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  In the coming months, Vance will compete against 11 other bases for first place in the Air Education and Training Command Energy Management Incentive Award program. 

Each base will be compared to its own baseline average energy usage from 2005-2007. The base that shows the greatest reduction in energy output will be awarded first place and receive $1.5 million for the wing to spend as it sees fit. Second prize will receive $1 million, and third prize will receive $500,000. Currently, Vance is in fourth place. 

The program is part of an effort to increase energy conservation awareness and to recognize energy-saving efforts. AETC began measuring the energy output of its bases on July 1, 2008 and will continue through June 30, 2009. 

"The best chance for Vance to improve its standing in the competition is to reduce our natural gas consumption," said Stan Willoughby, chief engineer for the Computer Sciences Corporation on base. "And the majority of that is used in the facility systems." 

The Energy Management Control System center in the Civil Engineering building is in charge of temperature settings in the majority of the buildings on base. The temperatures managed by the EMCS are in accordance with the Standards Temperature Letter, administered by the wing commander each fall. 

For the past two years the EMCS at Vance kept the temperature at 70 degrees in the winter months, with the exception of buildings that have unique circumstances, such as the child development center, youth center, and lodging facilities. 

"With the contest, all the bases are rolling their sleeves up to drop their outputs as much as they can. So we recommended lowering the space temperature in the buildings to 68 degrees. It will save quite a bit of energy," said Mr. Willoughby. 

The new temperature settings for the base went into effect Jan. 14, and will remain set for the remainder of the winter months. 

"Unfortunately, not all of the buildings on base are on the system. There are still a few local thermostats in some of the small, out-of-the-way buildings. But we're working with the facility managers to do the right thing," said Mr. Willoughby. 

Aside from control of the local thermostats, the EMCS is looking for facility managers to take a role in the base's energy conservation efforts in other ways. 

"Do a few casual walkthroughs every now and then, check the doors and windows to make sure no excess heat is escaping, or that no lights are being left on when they're not needed. Work with the people in your buildings to make sure everyone's helping out," said Mr. Willoughby.

Personnel on base can contribute to reducing energy use in a number of individual ways. For example, be sure to turn off monitors and printers when they are not in use. Many electronic items on base also have Energy Star settings that save up to 20-30 percent of energy when engaged.

"It's the simple stuff that counts, really. Hit the light switch in a restroom or a hallway that's empty, or when you're leaving the office. If you're in a common work area with a television, make sure you turn it off if you're the last one out," explained Mr. Willoughby. "Everybody can help by doing a lot of little things--they add up to a big difference in the long run." 

For more information about energy conservation on base, contact the CE service call center at 213-7555, or Mr. James Stamper, base energy manager, at 213-7154.