Eglin joins Operation Change Out

  • Published
  • By Jerron Barnett
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  In efforts to reduce Eglin's energy consumption, the 96 Civil Engineer Group has purchased two compact fluorescent light bulbs that will be distributed to every house in military family housing, some 1,340 homes. 

As a result of this initiative, Eglin Energy Manager Alan Mardis estimates that Eglin should see between $44,220 and $89,780 in annual operating cost savings. That range is based on six to 12 hours of continual use of the allotted two 15-watt compact fluorescent light bulbs that will be distributed to 1,340 military family homes versus the use of two standard light bulbs.

Eglin is also making this commitment to reduce energy consumption to increase the Air Force's participation in Operation Change Out. On Earth Day, April 22, the Department of Defense partnered with the Department of Energy to conduct Operation Change Out to encourage military families to save energy, money and protect the environment by replacing their inefficient, incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs. The campaign will run until Oct. 1. 

According to www.energystar.gov, ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy and produce 75 percent less heat than standard incandescent bulbs. They also can last up to 10 times longer. 

Since the day of his arrival, 96th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Bruce McClintock has made making Eglin a leader in energy stewardship a priority, a priority that's obviously shared by Col. Dennis Yates, 96th Civil Engineer Group commander and Mr. Mardis. 

"We all benefit (from energy stewardship) because we all save money and resources, whether we work or live on or off base," Col. McClintock said. "Energy stewardship to me means that everyone does the little things that can add up to a larger savings overall. Ultimately, those dollars we save can go back into our installation and make it better for all of us." 

Col. McClintock said the Eglin workforce should have already seen more of a command emphasis put on minor energy conservation initiatives, but everyone should expect that effort to pick up steam in the coming months. For the larger overall energy conservation effort, he plans to have every Eglin facility metered within the next year to more accurately track energy use, by facility, on base. 

"I think it's important that we keep in mind, even if we live in base housing where we don't pay for our electricity, that we develop a mindset that we pass on to the next generation that it's important that we be good stewards with the resources that we are given," Col. McClintock said. 

For more information on compact fluorescent light bulbs, visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls