Officials encourage energy conservation, cost reduciton Published Oct. 23, 2013 By Air Force Staff Sgt. William Banton JBER Public Affairs JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- As the days draw shorter and the nights become colder Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson officials urge everyone on base to be more efficient with energy use and keep costs down. October is Energy Action Month, which focuses on efforts within units to conserve energy by distributing energy reduction materials and encouraging participation in the installation's energy initiatives. "Although we highlight energy action in October, our objective is to get into, and maintain, an energy state of mind," said Sonny Turpin, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron, energy manager and utility engineer for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Turpin said the goal of Energy Action Month is to inspire all JBER members to be more efficient so they can provide an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace. Throughout the month the JBER energy team has highlighted simple steps everyone can use in their daily lives to help conserve energy. Some suggested methods include turning off lights in unoccupied areas, turning off computer monitors and unnecessary peripherals at the end of the day, and consolidating appliances such as coffee makers, refrigerators, and microwaves into break rooms. "When you think about it from an individual standpoint [turning the lights off] is our biggest contribution," Turpin said. "One person really doesn't have control of the thermostat but one thing you can do, if it does feel too warm, is tell your facility manager." Energy is one of the largest controllable costs in any organization's budget, said Francis Sheridan, 673d CES resource efficiency manager. Organizations generally waste energy, and often the consequence of wasting energy is using up nonrenewable resources, which cause more pollution, he said. "The more money we save in the Air Force in general, including energy, is more money for pilot training and all the things the Air Force needs," Sheridan said. "It basically supports our mission. Wasting energy is not part of our mission. Saving that money and pouring it to our core mission is what we are really all about." The energy costs on JBER have leveled off over the past couple of years during a period in which JBER built a good working relationship with local energy providers and saw decent rates and stability in the natural gas industry, Turpin said. However, due to impending rate increases and current economic pressures on energy providers, leadership anticipates that prices will be going back up. "We are working to reduce demand, assure supply, and foster an energy awareness culture," said Air Force Col. Brian Duffy, JBER and 673d Air Base Wing commander, in his Energy Action Month memorandum. "In 2012, JBER spent $13.6 million on natural gas and $12.6 million on electricity and fuel. Since 2006, we have been very successful, reducing our energy intensity by nine percent through the replacement of inefficient lighting, upgrades to poorly insulated doors and windows, installation of occupancy sensors to control inside temperature set-points, and programming energy efficiencies in new construction projects." Turpin said the energy team put together projects to gain more efficient office lighting and improve building heating. Turpin explained that the focus is on education, not capital improvements. "Smarter energy use means greater energy security, which serves our national interest," Turpin said. "JBER leadership is serious about this commitment and together we can successfully execute awareness every day." For questions regarding Energy Action Month, contact Turpin at 384-2763.