Misawa AB reenergizes conservation efforts

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jeff M. Nagan
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  When most people turn on their office lights or start pounding away at their keyboards, they seldom consider where that electricity is coming from. However, the moment the lights dim or the power suddenly goes out, the focus quickly shifts. Without the much needed power, nearly the entire military mission would grind to a standstill. To avoid such catastrophe, experts regularly analyze energy consumption, looking for better methods to save energy and taxpayer money.

In 2008, the Air Force published the Infrastructure Energy Strategic Plan, which offers a comprehensive approach to tackling many energy concerns and meeting federally mandated legislation. The plan identifies ways of reducing fossil fuel dependency and increasing "green" energy while simultaneously laying out a roadmap with various benchmarks to measure improvement.

Like many bases around the Air Force, Misawa Air Base is rising to face those challenges head-on. In addition to following the strategic plan, Misawa has taken the initiative to set its own objectives. However, the base can only succeed in reducing energy usage if everyone takes an active role.

"Everyone is affected by energy consumption," said David Lochtefeld, resources efficiency manager, Misawa Air Base. "As we consume finite resources, such as coal and oil, they become scarce and more difficult to extract. This will inevitably increase the cost and reduce the availability of our energy supply. It is in everyone's interest to minimize the use of energy while meeting the mission and maintaining quality of life."

The increasing demands of everyday missions have made energy saving difficult. Last fiscal year, the Air Force spent $7 billion on energy: 81 percent went toward aviation fuel, 15 percent to facilities and 4 percent to ground equipment vehicles, according to Mr. Lochtefeld.

"Energy conservation benefits everyone," Mr. Lochtefeld said. "Energy conservation allows the Air Force to meet the mission in the most efficient manner, saving money for other priorities."

Each dollar saved can ultimately be reinvested into other important areas, which includes money for renovating housing, recreation and other quality of life issues, according to Mr. Lochtefeld. During the last fiscal year, the projected savings of all energy projects was $1.3 million.

"Often, we can enhance quality of life while saving energy," said Mr. Lochtefeld. "With the lighting project at the Weasel's Den, light quality and quantity were improved while reducing energy consumption."

The Weasel's Den is a Misawa Air Base facility that provides children and parents an indoor recreation and play area. It is just one of many areas where improvements are also saving energy and taxpayer money. The base has replaced a leaking steam line, installed more efficient showerheads in the fitness center, and has many other initiatives to decrease energy consumption.

"Future projects include a $4.7 million boiler plant upgrade to increase efficiency and a ground source heat pump pilot project," Mr. Lochtefeld said. "Project length varies depending on the equipment. Lighting projects are expected to last 15 years where as boiler plant modifications have a 20-year life."

Although facilities and technologies can be improved to reduce consumption of energy, they are only a start, said Mr. Lochtefeld. A small amount of sacrifice or change in behavior can go a long way. Misawa Air Base changed the criteria for turning on the heat in industrial areas, meaning many Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors were without heat in their work sections earlier in the season.

"Benefits of energy conservation greatly outweigh any negative impact," Mr. Lochtefeld said. "Everyone benefits from meeting our objectives. Reducing the cost of utilities frees up funds for meeting our mission and improving quality of life. Citizens of Japan benefit from reduced emissions from electric power plants and boiler plants. Future generations benefit from conserving limited energy resources."

Due to various projects and the tenacity of Misawa servicemembers, Misawa Air Base is on its way toward meeting the Air Force's energy conservation objectives. Everyone plays an integral part in reducing energy consumption, and even the smallest gesture can make a dramatic impact.

For more on the USAF Infrastructure Energy Strategic Plan, visit http://www.afcesa.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-081029-038.pdf.