How low can you go, Tinker? Published Nov. 19, 2009 By Brandice J. Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In October, the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate launched the "How Low Can We Go" energy-conservation campaign. The program, which encourages base personnel to limit energy usage when away from the office, was deemed a success by civil engineering officials over the Columbus Day weekend. With the four-day Thanksgiving holiday next week officials said they want another success story. The "How Low Can We Go" campaign is designed to teach base personnel to be energy conscious. By reminding base employees to turn off and unplug non-essential equipment in the office when away from work for an extended period of time, they can help Tinker and the Air Force, as a whole, save money and preserve resources. "We want to maximize our energy conservation and minimize the effect," said John Hurd, Tinker's energy manager. "When you talk about non-operational hours, like when people aren't here, it's roughly two-thirds of the year. That's when you talk about nights, weekends and holidays, in terms of hours. It's really kind of shocking when you think about it." Mr. Hurd said Tinker personnel are always encouraged to turn off lights, appliances and the thermostat when they leave for the day, but there are other ways they can reduce energy usage. Unplugging or turning off items such as battery and cell phone chargers, and power strips can conserve energy; so can setting an electrical device, such as a water cooler, to the "energy-saver mode." "Anything that glows or has a red-indicator light is sucking power," Mr. Hurd said. Tinker spends roughly $62,000 a day on electricity. Over the Columbus Day weekend, Mr. Hurd said Tinker personnel saved the base approximately $45,000. Compared to the same weekend in 2006, there was a 24 percent reduction in usage this year. "If we can achieve energy reduction on the times that we're not here, then the times we are here can make it easier for us," Mr. Hurd said. "We can lower the office temperature in the summer or raise it in the wintertime. It gives us options and hopefully it becomes second nature to us." For more information or to make a suggestion about energy-conservation efforts, send an e-mail to 72abw.ce.energy@tinker.af.mil.