Fairchild AFB earns top energy conservation award Published June 18, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Earlandez Young 92 Air Refueling Wing/PA FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The base earned honors for its energy and water conservation efforts in 2011. "It was a bit of a surprise," Bill Turner, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager. "We're so focused on how we are currently saving energy to improve quality of life and always looking to improve in the future." The 2012 Reducing Energy Appreciation Program Award distinguishes the base for surpassing federally-mandated energy and water conservation goals. "Energy use is reported to the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency by all bases," said Mike Miller, 92nd CES Energy Management Control System operator. "They chose Fairchild because our energy use per square foot ratio has gone down during several years." Miller said since being successful at using the energy reduction system, he has earned a Federal Energy Management Program award in 2011. Officials said the Air Force has prioritized three goals in an effort to rein in on energy consumption. These goals include reducing demand, increasing supply and raising overall energy awareness. There are many measureable objectives that are tracked annually such as electronics management, building performance, pollution prevention, water conservation and renewable power. "Fairchild has had a 3-year average energy reduction of 14.5 percent and water reduction of 13 percent," said Jonathan Wald, 92nd CES Chief of Asset Optimization. "The base is nearing completion of a $2.7 million project to upgrade its Energy Management Control System." The 92nd CES is always completing Energy Management Control System upgrade projects to operate the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems on base. CE members said this saves energy when no one is in the building and uses energy more efficiently while maintaining occupant comfort. The 92nd CES energy management office has consistently aimed toward implementing projects proven to save the Air Force money, while making energy usage more effective. One example is energy-efficient, buildings and landscape systems. "We're currently busy getting ready to award a smart irrigation project which will save water by using weather stations to monitor changes in weather, soil and air moisture and adjust watering based on actual need," said Turner. "The new combined wing headquarters building may feature ground source or water source heat pumps." The award is scheduled to be presented to the base in August during the GovEnergy 2012, event convention in St. Louis.