Scott Air Force Base implements new energy policy Published Feb. 22, 2012 By Karen Petitt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Scott AFB implemented its own energy use policy Feb. 15 to comply with congressional mandates which require installations to reduce energy and water consumption, to align with Air Mobility Command's energy use policy, and to meet the constraints of significantly reduced utility budgets. The AMC directives call for a 3 percent per year reduction in facility energy consumption and a 2 percent per year reduction in facility water usage. "Our strategy is to reduce the demand by eliminating wasteful behaviors, increasing energy efficiency and by creating a culture that considers energy and water use in all we do," said Col. Michael Hornitschek, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander. "A recent example of incorporating this into our mindset is the new aeromedical evacuation squadron building, which was built with these efficiencies in mind, and for which LEED Gold certification is now being sought." LEED stands for Leadership, Energy and Environmental Design, which provides a framework for designers to work toward sustainable buildings that use less energy and is eco-friendly. The commander said the base has made "excellent progress" toward energy conservation, but to fully implement a culture of energy conservation, the workforce needs to incorporate savings into their daily routines. These behaviors, such as turning off lights, dressing appropriately for the season and building climate, and by turning off monitors and printers over the weekend are just a few things that help reduction efforts. Other efforts the policy outlines are facility heating and cooling timeframes. For instance, heating for single heat/cool system facilities shuts down March 15--based on weather conditions maintaining a 50 degree Fahrenheit temperature for at least three consecutive days. Likewise, cooling won't start until June 15 unless there have been four days of temps above 75 degrees. Once temps fall below 60 degrees in the fall or on Sept. 15, the cooling will be turned off. Base civil engineers have a priority system in place that allows for an organized approach to heating and cooling scenarios. Another change is the climate control for which the facilities will be set at during these seasons. While some areas require specific climates year round, other administrative spaces, for instance, will see their heating maxed at 69 degrees when occupied, and a cooling temp of 76 degrees during the summer months. The new policy also eliminates the use of personal space heaters and appliances in the workplace. Government space heaters will be provided by facility managers for those work areas deemed to be cooler than 66 degrees until CE can repair the HVAC system. Additionally, all personal appliances such a coffee pots, microwaves, hot plates, refrigerators, etc., must be removed from offices. Common areas will now host these amenities with fewer appliances serving more personnel. Facility managers, commanders, and base safety and civil engineer personnel will report compliance and enforce this policy. "Stewardship starts at the top," said Hornitschek, "so I ask all commanders to be accountable for their energy management and compliance. Each person and organization here has a duty to enforce and comply with the directives that have been outlined. I meet quarterly with senior leaders across the installation--called the Energy Management Steering Group--to discuss energy policy, develop energy saving guidance, and provide feedback regarding local compliance. In light of reduced budgets, and to protect our ability to Enable Combat Power, it's critical for us to conserve energy and seek efficiencies which leverage our nation's limited resources. People should expect additional energy saving policies to be implemented in the coming months, and we are always willing to hear new ideas at our monthly Energy Conversation brown bag lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in the 375th AMW conference room." Members can find a copy of the policy online at the 375th AMW's Sharepoint site, or speak to the Scott AFB Energy Manager, Elizabeth Toftemark at 256-5534.