Air Force Space Command Offers Energy Saving Tips

Air Force Space Command reports that October is Energy Action Month. It was designated by President Obama under Exectuvie Order 13693, “Planning for Federal Sustainability in the Next Decade.” The site offers tips on how to achieve sustainability, some of which are applicable to facility managers’ desire to save money.

Some applicable tips: Switch off lights when a room is unoccupied (this step can be enhanced by the installation of sensors, which do the job automatically); use T8 instead of T12 fluorescents. Reduce lighting in areas with abundant natural light; use low-flow heads and cooler hot water in showers; buy Energy Star products; turn off computing equipment when not in use and unplug seldom used appliances and equipment.

Late last month, The U.S. Energy Department said that the Better Buildings, Better Plants Program had saved $2.4 billion during the past five years. The program enlists manufacturers and water and wastewater treatment entities to cut energy intensity by about 25 percent of a ten year period.