Moody assists in AF energy conservation initiative

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  With $600,000, on average, you can buy 1,000 MP3 players, 4,000 tanks of gas, 6,700 oil changes or you and a friend could buy lunch every day for the next 65 years.

Six hundred thousand dollars is how much money Moody could save if each person on base were to eliminate .003 percent of their individual energy consumption.

"Last year, Moody spent approximately $4 million on energy costs," said Thea Spriggs, 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager. "Our goal is to improve current and future infrastructures and expand renewable energy in order to minimize costs."

Taking part in an Air Force initiative, the 23rd CES is currently leading a campaign to reduce Moody's energy consumption by 15 percent by October 2010.

"One of the changes we've accomplished was the demolition of old buildings to construct ones that are more energy efficient," said Mrs. Spriggs. "In addition, we added occupancy sensors and redesigned heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems in several buildings."

The 23rd CES is making the major changes to reduce energy consumption, which will help the base consume less of the day-to-day types of energy such as electricity, natural gas, water and fuel. 

"Natural gas and electricity are the two types of energy we consume the most," said Robert Montgomery, 23rd CES base energy manager. "We spend approximately $9,300 per day just for electricity. If we reduce that by 15 percent, then we can use the money saved for mission essential and quality of life expenses." 

Since October is recognized as Energy Awareness Month, Moody members are asked to play a part in the effort to decrease energy consumption.

In doing its part, the base has set a goal to reduce last October's electric usage rate by approximately 604,000 kilowatts per hour or 15 percent.

"It's important that everyone on base take part in energy conservation because it can really help make a difference," said Ms. Spriggs. "We can save three percent if everyone can focus on the small things such as turning off the lights when not in a room and unplugging equipment when not in use.

"Also, many people are not aware that it's mandatory to replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs," she added. "Compact fluorescent bulbs save 75 percent on lighting costs."

Ms. Spriggs also urges offices to report any building or facility problems such as issues with air conditioning, water line leaks, and constantly running toilets or dripping faucets. Contact a facility manager to learn how to cut energy costs.

"Problems that don't get fixed immediately can negatively affect the building's energy efficiency," she said. "Since we're not there to always monitor people, everyone must take initiative to help conserve energy and prevent waste."