Energy conservation team needs Moody's efforts to help reach $600K goal

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody set a goal for fiscal year 2010 to save 15 percent or $600,000 in energy costs compared to those for FY 2009.

So far, the base has saved only $6,000, or one percent of the overall goal and has less than 11 months to accomplish the rest. At this rate, it's going to take Moody more than eight years to meet this year's goal.

"At the rate we are going, Moody's goal simply can't be met--that's why it's important for everyone to participate in energy conservation," said Thea Spriggs, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager and part of the Moody Energy Team. "The goal is attainable if we could get the base to become proactive and assist with our recommendations to save energy.

"It may seem like it doesn't make a difference, but when you see the energy bill, you'd be amazed," she added. "We have made most of the major changes so now it's everyone else's turn to help with the small things."

One of the many changes implemented to reduce the amount of energy used on Moody is the demolition of older energy-inefficient buildings. The 23rd CES also redesigned heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, and added occupancy sensors to several buildings.

In addition, the 23rd CES will start monitoring the energy usage of each building with digital energy monitors.

"Currently, we have to wait 45 days to get our energy bill from the month prior," said Mrs. Spriggs. "With the digital meters we are currently installing, we'll be able to track the consumption for each building in real-time."

Since electricity is the most consumed type of energy on base, everyone must concentrate on conserving it to help save money, said Mrs. Spriggs.

"We can save more than $165,000 by simply turning off computer monitors when they are not in use and changing computer settings to the power-save mode," she added.

"We can also save additional money when we turn off lights when a room is unoccupied, unplug seldom-used equipment and power transformers when it's not in use and change to compact fluorescent bulbs in standard sockets. All of these habits will take time to get used to, but the rewards will be extremely beneficial in the long run."

If energy consumption is reduced, Moody has the opportunity to earn award money.

"Whatever we save in energy costs will go back to Moody," said Mrs. Spriggs. "It can be used to purchase more energy-efficient products or improve the quality of life for Airmen."

Several Moody members have already begun changes to their habits to help conserve energy.

"I try my best to turn off the lights when there's no one in my workplace," said Master Sgt. Roger Martinez, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electronics warfare supervisor. "I also encourage my office to recycle because it's another way to conserve energy as well. Energy conservation is an Air Force policy so we all need to follow it."

Individuals who would like to learn more about how they can help Moody save energy can e-mail moodyafbenergyteam@moody.af.mil.

Mrs. Spriggs urges individuals that haven't started doing the small things to start now.

"It's not too late to conserve energy," she said. "We still have 11 months to meet our goals--even surpass them. Everyone has a part in the campaign toward reducing energy consumption and costs."