ATLANTA - Energy conservation. It's always been important, but never more so than now, as we struggle with budget constrictions.
At the Installation Management Command garrison commanders conference held in November, Installation Management Command Commanding General Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch said he has seen installation energy bills triple in recent years - a clear signal that employees must take new and different actions that affect both today and the long term.
Lynch said he stresses energy conservation within IMCOM because, "It's right for the environment, and it's the right way for us to manage installations. Let's be an impetus for a conservation culture in the United States."
In addition to continuing our efforts as good stewards of the environment and a champion of protecting our natural resources, energy conservation can mean substantial monetary savings to Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem.
Lynch has said one of IMCOM's smaller installations saved $300,000 last year by doing common sense things to save energy. Money we save here can be used to continue services and programs that might otherwise need to be curtailed or cancelled as funding becomes tighter throughout this fiscal year.
The U.S. Army Garrison Directorate of Public Works/Directorate of Logistics staff has been making strides in upping our energy efficiency for years. As an organization, we're committed to continuing those efforts. But as an individual, are you doing everything you can to conserve energy'
The following tips can mean substantial savings in the long run:
Aca,!AcThe Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires federal government office equipment to be Energy Star rated and have a sleep mode. Ensure the scanners, copy machines, faxes, printers and other electronic equipment in your areas of responsibility have sleep modes, and that the sleep modes are set to activate automatically when the equipment is not in use.
Aca,!AcStop idling government vehicles when unattended or waiting for more than 30 seconds.
Aca,!AcTurn off interior lights in all unoccupied areas, even when someone intends to return soon.
Aca,!AcTurn off all outside lights during the day. Guardhouses, access points, gas stations, maintenance areas and storage areas are common locations where outside lighting is left on during daylight hours because of lack of attention, education and consequences.
Aca,!AcDo not rig doors and windows between air-conditioned spaces and non-air-conditioned spaces to stay open.
Aca,!AcEliminate and remove all extra refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots and other appliances that service only one or two people, except as permitted by AR 420-1 (Army Facilities Management), chapter 22 (Army Energy and Water Management Program). Require all appliances in the workplace to bear the Energy Star label.
Aca,!AcEnsure there are no gaps around doors and windows. If you see gaps in your area, contact your building manager so weather stripping can be added or replaced at the gaps. Infiltration around windows and doors is one of the main causes of wasted energy in air-conditioned spaces.
Aca,!AcUse setback temperatures on all heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment, including window air conditioners.
By applying these and other measures, we estimate energy consumption can be reduced 15 to 20 percent.
While it's important to do the simple things, such as to shut off lights in rooms and areas not in use, I ask that you look for ways we can make bigger changes, too. If you see current practices, whether in your area or others, that could be changed to improve our conservation effort while not curbing the quality of the services we provide, take action. Either make the change yourself, if it's within your area of responsibility, or talk to those who can affect the change, if it isn't.
Make energy conservation a priority for you and your staff. After all, by saving the installation money, the programs you rescue may be your own!
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