Ellsworth continues to do its part in conserving energy

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anania Tekurio
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  As Energy Action Month comes to a close Oct. 31, the many energy savings initiatives and projects Ellsworth engages in around-the-clock continue to steadily press forward.

"Since 2003, Ellsworth has saved $7.8 million in energy bills," said Ted Cleberg, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager. "We are currently working on 11 projects affecting more than 40 buildings on base that will improve energy efficiency and workplace quality."

The conservation projects include heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades, installing building insulation - especially in the hangars, and retrofitting efficient lighting both indoors and outdoors.

"We've installed infrared heating and high efficiency boilers that run the blowers for just a few minutes after the hangar doors have been opened to reheat the area," said Tech. Sgt. Alfred Bernard, 28th CES base energy assistant. "Not only were these installations energy efficient, but they've allowed people to keep working in a warm environment."

Cleberg said Ellsworth's goal was to reduce 30 percent of its energy intensity by 2015, a goal that was met and surpassed in 2012 when the base reduced energy intensity by 32 percent.

"We accomplished a lot of our energy savings by identifying the facilities that used the most energy," said Cleberg. "Then, we began completing a number of energy-saving projects such as installing better insulation in our aircraft hangars and more efficient heating systems."

Bernard added that Energy Action Month isn't intended to be the only month when Airmen should be more aware of their actions, but is meant to be more of a time when Airmen learn to conserve resources and use energy efficiently on top of what they do each day.

"Every bit counts in attaining our energy conservation goals," said Cleberg. "Every Airman can do their part by creating habits that save base energy. Even something simple things like turning off computer monitors and workplace lights before leaving for the day can make a huge difference."