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Why should you conserve energy and why is conservation important? Most of the energy we use comes from fossil fuels like petroleum and coal, which provide electricity and gas to power our growing energy needs. These resources are non-renewable, which means we will eventually run out.
Conserving energy not only helps to conserve resources but also translates into financial savings. When we drive our cars, wash our hands and turn lights on, we usually don’t stop to assess the amount of resources we are using.
Energy conservation continues to be one of Air Force goals throughout the whole year. Saved energy means there is more money for other mission essential needs. This, along with the rising cost of fuel, demonstrates how important it is to save energy whenever possible. Though our energy needs will be met, other areas and initiatives such as funding of new programs, new technology and equipment purchases and renovations may be affected.
The following is a simple checklist of energy conservation and efficiency measures to use at the office.
• Replace incandescent lights with CFLs or LEDs for desk lamps and overhead lighting. Using CFLs instead of comparable incandescent bulbs can save about 50 percent on your lighting costs. CFLs use only one-fourth the energy and last up to 10 times longer.
• Switch off all unnecessary lights. Use dimmers, motion sensors or occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lighting when not in use to reduce energy use and costs.
• Use natural lighting or day lighting. When feasible, 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.
• In the winter months, open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your workspace. At night, close the blinds to reduce heat loss.
• Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use (i.e. cell phone chargers, fans, coffee makers, desktop printers, radios, etc.).
• Replace CRT monitors with LED or LCD monitors.
• Turn off your computer monitors at the end of the work day, if possible.
• Have a qualified professional perform an energy audit. Check with your utility company for names of auditors.
• Install programmable thermostats.
• Ensure HVAC duct work is insulated.
• Insulate water heater, hot water piping and tanks to reduce heat loss.
• Install low-flow toilets, urinals, faucets and shower heads.
• Install meters to track energy use.
• Save paper. Photocopy only what you need. Always use the second side of paper, either by printing on both sides or using the blank side as scrap paper.
• To save gas, drive the speed limit, accelerate and decelerate slower, remove excess/unneeded weight, reduce unnecessary idling and miles traveled, and make sure tires are pumped up.
(Courtesy of 86th Civil Engineer Squadron)
