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Minot earns top energy conservation award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Air Force Global Strike Command's Minot AFB was recently recognized for earning the Air Force's top energy and water conservation award here May 31. The 2011 Reducing Energy Appreciation Program award distinguished Minot for surpassing federally mandated energy and water conservation goals.

This Air Force level award is designed to recognize top installations whose energy and water management efforts clearly reflect conservation objectives required by federal order. Among the requirements is a call for installations' reduction of energy intensity by three percent each year and two percent in water intensity through 2015.

Currently the Air Force has prioritized three goals in an effort to rein in on energy consumption, which include reducing demand, increasing supply and raising overall energy awareness. Specifically, the analyzing of electronics management, building performance, pollution prevention, water conservation, and renewable power among others, are key components which are measured annually.

The 5th Civil Engineer Squadron energy management office has consistently aimed towards implementing economically viable facility projects that have proven to save the Air Force money, while making energy usage more efficient and effective.

Among one of the projects that has had a significant impact on the base's energy conservation efforts has been the revamping of its primary heating systems. According to the AFGSC capability assessment, in 2009, the base replaced its primary heating plant for high efficiency pulse boilers in select facilities which led to a savings of $2.6 million in energy and water costs, a 19 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and more than $48,000 in annual maintenance savings.

Additionally, since 2007, water consumption was reduced by 20 percent, which far exceeds requirements. The base's energy savings has also gone above its target with a savings of 31 percent since 2003.

Jason Webster, 5th CES energy manager, said years of hard work by the entire base population were needed to achieve the goals reached.

"It is important to keep energy conservation at the forefront because wherever energy is saved, funds are conserved as well," said Mr. Webster.

He added whether it's educating the base on energy conservation during squadron right start briefings or answering questions at facility manager's training, the energy management office continues to spread the word about energy conservation.

"Everybody wants to save money," said Mr. Webster. "We only have so many energy resources available and we try to make the most efficient use of them."

Tim Thompson, 5th CES resource efficiency manager, explained when new facility projects are underway, they evaluate the technology used in them and make recommendations on what can be used to meet the goals and needs of energy conservation requirements.

"One of our main jobs is to develop cost effective projects that meet designated criteria," said Mr. Thompson. "We also follow up with energy measurements and verification, after we do a project. We ensure we are actually saving money with what was spent on these projects."

He explained finding new projects is always difficult because Minot already has relatively inexpensive energy and water utility expenses.

"We have to make projects economically viable, and if we don't have the proper savings to investment ratio, projects will not get funding," said Mr. Thompson. "We have to save a significant amount of energy to actually make a project pay off."

Nonetheless, the energy team proved that with their dedication, they've exceeded goals which have placed Minot AFB at the top of the charts when it comes to energy conservation.

"Seeing the results of our work and watching energy consumption decrease is great," said Mr. Webster. "The less energy we use, the less money we spend and that's ultimately the goal."