Conserve energy: Save now or pay later Published Nov. 24, 2009 By Elizabeth McClain 90th Civil Engineer Squadron F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- The Air Force has developed a facility energy strategy that includes four major action pillars. These pillars include: improve current infrastructure; improve future infrastructure; expand renewable energy; and manage costs. According to DoD and presidential directives, all federal facilities, including Warren, must reduce energy consumption by 30 percent by 2015. This includes reducing energy consumption at work and in base housing. Records show Warren spent $8.2 million on energy in 2008. This means a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption will save the base $2.46 million annually. According to Lt. Col. Mike Geer, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, the Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the Federal Government and is spending $1 billion annually in facility energy costs alone. Current global conditions have increased the focus on energy sources, resources and expenses, resulting in revised federal energy conservation goals and more scrutiny of energy costs, which present new challenges. "As the cost of energy increases, it just makes good common sense to reduce energy usage and save money at the same time," John Nunley, 90 CES energy manager said. "There are ways we can each help on a daily basis," added Colonel Geer. "Each one of us is in a position to make a contribution to the Air Force's overall efforts to conserve energy and save the Air Force valuable resources." Energy conservation: measures to take at the workplace - Turn off office lights when you leave at night. - Use natural lighting or day lighting. Turn off lights near windows. - Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it, to directly illuminate work areas. - Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use (i.e. cell phone chargers, fans, coffeemakers, desktop printers, radios, etc). - Turn off the photocopier at night or purchase a new copier with a low energy standby feature. Energy tips for families living on base - Turn your thermostat down to 67 degrees when you go to bed or leave your house for more than four hours. - Keep doors and windows closed when the heat is on. - Change or clean furnace filters monthly. - Prevent cool air from seeping in through old weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows. - Turn off all outside lights during daylight hours. - Run full loads in dishwashers and clothes washers. - Use the "air dry" and "energy saver" features on the dishwasher.