Conserving energy while keeping the mission on track

  • Published
  • By Mark Smith
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  According to daily television and radio reports, the need to conserve energy and natural resources is real.

In response to Executive Order 13423, Travis is now required to reduce energy use as measured per square foot of work and living space on base by 3 percent per year or by 30 percent by Sept. 30, 2015. This reduction is based upon what was used in 2003.

However, society still needs to drive cars, fly planes and have enough light to be able to see the planes that are maintained in the hangars. Electricity and natural gas are needed to run homes, dry clothes, cook meals and have enough water available to keep the yards up to the housing standards.

It can be a challenge to conserve energy and water, and yet maintain the quality of life Americans are used to in the workplace and at home.

Travis has already begun the process of purchasing and installing the most energy efficient boilers and chillers, some of the largest energy consuming equipment used in support of the base mission, as well as more energy efficient lighting in offices and hangars.

The next goal requires federal facilities to purchase more energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar power, and to the greatest extent possible, develop renewable energy generation projects on base property for base use. So far, wind energy on base has not proven to be feasible, due to available land and airfield height restrictions. There are other obstacles to overcome, such as the building's roof warranties, if we choose to install photo-voltaic panels to make use of solar power. Finding what works on base is a challenge for our future, but also our mandate.

That last conservation related goal that will directly affect Travis, requires a reduction in water consumption by almost the same percentage as energy.

Beginning this month, Travis must reduce water consumption by 2 percent annually through September 2015 or 16 percent by the end of September 2015, relative to our water consumption in 2007. Balancing our conservation requirements with our base appearance and quality of life, will result in a workable solution for us all.

For more information, visit the Federal Energy Management Program on-line: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/.