Saving energy requires ongoing effort Published Oct. 28, 2011 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- As another Energy Awareness month draws to a close, Tinker's Energy Team officials said the message will remain a priority. Branded by the Air Force, the motto "Make energy and water conservation a consideration in all we do," is key. Throughout the month, Tinker energy officials hosted several activities promoting the Air Force's stance on energy and its three goals - reduce demand, increase supply and change the culture. As October draws to a close, energy team officials said keep up the good work. "Team Tinker has done a good job finding ways to conserve energy, but now it is time to amp it up," said Britton Young, Tinker's Energy Team point-of-contact in the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate. "Let's take it to the next level and make energy a consideration in all we do." Ms. Young said the Department of Defense is the largest consumer of energy in the federal government and annually, the energy bill is approximately $15 billion. Of that, three-quarters of the funds is spent on flying operations. Roughly $4 billion is spent on electricity to power more than 300,000 facilities and 200,000 vehicles on installations. Ms. Young attributed the high costs to the change in mission. She said installations used to merely train their military members, whereas in today's fight, many overseas operations are conducted from domestic bases. "We as a military are very dependent on our commercial electric grid right now," she said. Yet, it doesn't have to be that way. Tinker personnel can do their part to reduce dependency on energy and water. Tinker personnel can log-off their computers at the end of the work day. Ms. Young said the Air Force Information Technology Power Management Team has approximated more than $10 million can be saved each year by ensuring a computer will enter energy-saving sleep mode. Base personnel can also set thermostats to Air Force-recommended temperatures. In winter months, officials suggest setting thermostats at 68 degrees in administrative areas and classrooms, 65 degrees in shop spaces and 60 degrees in warehouses and hangar spaces. At the end of the work day, thermostats should be set back to 55 degrees in administrative, classroom and shop areas and to 50 degrees in warehouse and hangar spaces. Additionally, base personnel can invest in energy-efficient light bulbs. If a consumer chooses a light-emitting diodes, or LED, bulb instead, it would last approximately 13 years, based on average use of four hours a day, but cost roughly $40 up front. When compared to a traditional 60-watt incandescent light bulb, officials estimate using a LED bulb will save consumers $132 over the life of the LED bulb. If Tinker personnel take advantage of these tips, Ms. Young said it could possibly bring down the amount of money spent on facility energy. To ask an energy-related question or submit an energy-conservation idea, email energy@tinker.af.mil.