Eglin's three-building energy challenge effective at mid-point.

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  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
The Team Eglin Energy Challenge contest between buildings 349, 350 and 351 is in full swing and the savings are already apparent.

There were significant savings in electrical consumption and demand reduction over the past two weeks, according to the Eglin Energy Management Center.

The 308th Armament Systems Wing (349, 350) and the 53rd Wing (351) occupy the buildings.

Building 350 leads the contest that began Feb. 11, with an overall savings of 12.6 percent. Personnel in the building used 12.6 percent less electricity than would have been used if it was business as usual. Building 351 is in second with a 10.8 percent savings. Building 349 had a 9.4 percent savings for the same period. The combined total savings for all three averaged 10.7 percent with a savings of $4,888, according to the EEMC.

The general consensus on the progress from all three facility managers was education.

"It starts with the leadership staying involved and providing updates and reminders to their people," said Paul DerSarkisian, EEMC. "Each facility continues to strive for a reduction in their electrical consumption and is taking the contest very seriously. This is just one of many programs we can use to reduce consumption, increase awareness and change the culture of energy use and conservation methods for all employees."

According to the EEMC, if all Team Eglin would make similar efforts, the base could save 10 percent on electricity use and save more than $2 million per year.

"We're not suggesting people should turn off things needed to do their job, but Team Eglin could save considerable electricity if everyone would just turn off things that aren't being used," Mr. DerSarkisian said. "Make energy a consideration in all we do ...last out, lights off."