News>Team Seymour leads ACC in energy conservation
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According to the base energy management office, a programmable thermostat helps conserve energy while keeping your home and office a comfortable temperature year-round. The ideal temperature for energy conservation in an occupied office is 69 degrees.(U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)
An Airman washes dishes on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Aug. 29, 2012. Hand-washing dishes and allowing them to air-dry is a low-cost way to conserve energy and water on base and at home. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)
An Airman attempts to turn off a computer monitor on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Aug. 29, 2012. Turning off computer monitors when not in use can assist in efforts to conserve energy and save money. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)
An Airman opens an Energy-Star efficient, miniature refrigerator on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Aug. 29, 2012. Products containing the Energy Star label meet specific efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson/Released)
by Airman 1st Class Aubrey Robinson
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
9/5/2012 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- During a time when people all around the nation are doing what they can to minimize energy and water consumption, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., has been recognized as the leader in Air Combat Command for conservation during the 2011 fiscal year.
According to Matthew Latham, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron installation energy manager, Seymour Johnson saved approximately 10 percent of a more than $5 million utility bill in 2011 by replacing old and inefficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, lights, motors and chillers. Improved building insulation, weather sealants and new roofs also contributed to base savings.
In 2003 and 2007, a baseline measurement was established for how much energy and water per square foot was used on the base. Usage is compared to those years, along with other bases' measurements, in order to determine how much Seymour Johnson has reduced each year.
"The goal is to exceed the three percent year-to-year reduction in energy intensity, and two percent year-to-year reduction in water intensity," Latham said. "This is the second year in a row that Seymour Johnson has been number one (in ACC for conservation)."
The base energy management office takes into account all utilities including water, electricity, fuel oil, liquid propane and natural gases in order to determine how much has been conserved.
"We make sure certain systems are operating in the most efficient ways," Latham said. "We provide training opportunities to our shop personnel to ensure that preventative and corrective maintenance actions go one step further."
The energy management team encourages members of Team Seymour to find out how to get more involved with conservation by speaking with their facility managers.
"We're more than happy to take into account any personal concerns and provide solutions for personal comfort, reduced energy and water consumption," Latham said.
For more information about getting involved with energy and water conservation, contact your facility manager or call the base energy manager.
