Misawa energized about energy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Misawa's combined energy bill last year, to include electricity and fuel, was $29 million. This is a relatively small number compared to the Defense Department's energy bill of $20 billion. Now, these costs are turning around, and the DoD is becoming more energy efficient with Executive Order 13423. 

The executive order requires all federal agencies to reduce energy intensity by 3 percent annually through the end of fiscal year 2015. Misawa met its requirement last year and has done it again this year with energy efficient renovations of base facilities, education and awareness. 

"We have several projects that are in the works to make Misawa more energy efficient," said David Lochtefeld, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager. "CES, along with base housing and the 35th Force Support Squadron, has installed low-flow shower heads in the dormitories, base housing and the fitness center. This project will give Misawa an annual cost savings of $94,000 per year." 

Another energy and cost-saving project completed this year was the installation of condensate filters at six water-boiler plants across base. This project will garner an annual energy cost savings of $156,000 and will reduce 8.2 million gallons of water per year, saving $56,000. 

Twelve total projects this year will save Misawa an estimated $600,000. However, where the savings really happens is through educating individuals and their families about energy conservation, added Mr. Lochtefeld. 

"The other side of energy management and conservation is energy awareness and education," said Mr. Lochtefeld. "This was our main focus this month, because the construction projects are year-round." 

CES was able to get word out about energy conservation by placing information on the commander's access channel, doing radio spots and videos at commander's calls. CES also placed flyers and pamphlets in the commissary and other high traffic areas. 

"We used the energy hog pamphlet," said Mr. Lochtefeld. "This pamphlet is geared toward families to let them know if they're conservers or hogs." 

In the flier, families fill out each section and tally their scores. This assessment allows families to make changes to their energy conservation habits. 

After completing the pamphlet, families can place it in a box located at the Base Exchange, and in doing so they will also become eligible for prizes, Mr. Lochtefeld added. 

Another method of raising awareness is through education. Many people have little idea what consumes the most energy in the home, added Mr. Lochtefeld. 

One of the most energy consuming items found in almost every house at Misawa is a personal computer. 

"A computer and a monitor will use about a penny every kilo-watt hour," said Bryan Purdue, 35th CES asset optimization chief. "A person may not think that's a lot, but when you put all the computers and monitors together in base housing, it adds up." 

To calculate the cost of running a computer: 
                 (Hours of use)   x   ($.01)   x  (number of household computers)  x  2 (one for both the monitor and computer)
                =   the cost of running your computer 

Service members and their dependents can also help save energy by unplugging their appliances and shutting off lights when they are not in use. 

"Energy conservation is important, because it shows that we're good stewards of the taxpayer's money," said Mr. Lochtefeld. "The money Misawa saves can be used toward military morale, welfare and recreation facilities and events, and mission-critical items." 

In addition to projects such as new shower heads and boiler systems, the base is also funding approximately $9 million in other projects geared toward saving money and energy. 

For energy conservation tips, click here

For green driving tips, click here