Putting the spotlight on energy waste

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather M. Norris
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  October not only marks drops in the temperature here in the Eifel, but also the beginning of Energy Awareness Month. As people reach for office thermostats to warm things up, the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Energy Program Office educates the base on responsible energy use.

In 1991, the Department of Energy recognized the need for promoting efficient uses of energy with an annual campaign. Spangdahlem's motto this year is "A new culture: energy as an operations enabler."

"We are in a great position to begin facilitating a cultural change about how we think about energy and its role in our lives," said Lucas Bittick, asset optimization element chief.

The energy program office initiates opportunities for energy reduction by evaluating buildings, infrastructure and installed systems for efficiency. Spangdahlem's replacement of exit sign lamps that run 24/7, 365 days a year with more efficient LED lighting is one step towards using more technologically advanced items, but this is only one piece of a bigger picture.

According to Mr. Bittick, turning the heat down, shutting windows, turning lights off when leaving and powering down equipment when not in use are simple conservation acts that complete the puzzle.

Building managers are being trained to look for such energy conservation violations. Spangdahlem is also implementing awards programs, monthly interest areas and informational brochures to stress the importance of individual conservation efforts.

"Combining both efficiency and conservation is very powerful," Mr. Bittick said. "We need to pursue both in order to really optimize energy use. Unnecessary energy use means wasted resources that will not go toward the mission or community."

Beyond the behavioral and infrastructure opportunities, educational and awareness initiatives teach responsible energy use. Educating the community places the responsibility to use energy resources wisely on everyone according to Mr. Bittick.

Community activities and educational initiatives are planned throughout October, to include a poster contest at schools and an Energy Exposition hosted by a local German electric company with an electric car display, hands-on exhibits and a Segway course highlighting various emerging electronic mobility opportunities and technology.

"The goal is to get people thinking about how they use energy so we can combine efficient infrastructure with smart behavior," Mr. Bittick said.