Energizing Eglin: Energy conservation remains a top priority

  • Published
  • By Jerron Barnett
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The powers on Eglin Air Force Base have made reducing the power bills on a top priority - and it's working.

From de-lamping soda machines throughout the base, to installing energy efficient Heating, Venting and Air Conditioning systems in many facilities, the importance of being good energy stewards can be seen across the installation.

Despite winning a Department of Energy award for its Fiscal Year 2007 energy conservation projects and initiatives that saved more than $1 million dollars in energy costs, the 96th Civil Engineer Group isn't satisfied.

During the month of October, Team Eglin's efforts reduced energy consumption by almost 2.7 million kilowatt hours from where it stood through the same time frame in 2007, more than doubling its energy reduction goal of five percent.

"Energy conservation is very high on the list for Team Eglin leadership," said Col. Dennis Yates, Commander, 96th CEG. "It's an ongoing focus item that all the commanders on base share as a priority in their respective units."

The base's efforts include the addition of Scott Pogue, a Resource Efficiency Manager hired by Air Force Materiel Command to assist the 96th CEG in reducing in the cost of energy, water, natural gas, fuel oil, refuse disposal, and all other utilities and energy/water-related operations on Eglin.

Mr. Pogue has emphasized energy conservation, specifically in the facility management arena. He has developed a training program for facility managers to help them conduct routine energy audits on the facilities they manage. Studies have shown that up to five percent of a facility's energy consumption can be reduced from conducting such audits.

Mr. Pogue is also a strong advocate for renewable energy projects. He has taken this advocacy to the doorsteps of the State of Florida legislature to bring about "friendlier" rules and regulations to promote renewable energy initiatives throughout the state. On Eglin, several proposed renewable energy projects such as solar, biomass and waste-to-energy ones stand to benefit from flexible state rules which govern such efforts.

Here at home, members of Team Eglin workforce at all levels should expect a sustained emphasis on energy conservation year round.

"Energy conservation should be in everyone's job description, not just some guys in CE maintenance operations," Mr. Pogue said. "It's very similar to force protection. Not all of us work for security forces, yet all of us play an important role in that responsibility."

If everyone adheres to that responsibility, Mr. Pogue believes Eglin will continue to be an excellent example to the rest of the country of what being an outstanding energy steward should look like.

"There's already a lot going on that people should be proud of, but let's continue that trend," Mr. Pogue said. "Even though Eglin has done a good job to date, we can't be content to just keep pace. We're already a Department of Defense leader in energy conservation and efficiency. Let's keep it that way."