Exploring ways to save energy

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Earth is home to more than 6.5 billion people, the majority of whom are consumers of energy. Future generations are dependent on everyone to find renewable energy sources as the U.S., and other countries attempt to preserve the Earth.

In an effort to further promote the Air Force's energy initiatives, Team Whiteman continues to build on both fundamental awareness and personal responsibility to reduce consumption on base.

"It is important everyone gets involved and works together, actively taking part in decreasing utility expenditures," said Daylon Edmisten, 509th Civil Engineer base energy manager said. "Energy is essential to accomplishing the Air Force mission and this year's theme is 'A new culture: Energy as an operations enabler'."

According to Mr. Edmisten, Team Whiteman must work together reducing energy intensity by three percent annually through the end of fiscal year 2015 or a total of 30 percent by the end of FY 2015, relative to the baseline of FY 2003.


The AF energy plan is built upon three fundamental goals: reduce demand, increase supply and culture change. The Air Force's energy plan lays the foundations for energy management across aviation operations, acquisition, technology and infrastructure.

In order to help conservation efforts and play a part to impact, the Whiteman AFB Energy and Water Conservation Policy offer the following guidelines for base members:

1. Turn off computers, monitors, scanners, copiers, and printers when not in use.
2. Turn off all unnecessary interior and exterior lighting.
3. Increase vigilance in using personal devices (radios, CD/tape players, fans). Turn off when not in use and never leave device on at the end of the day. Install motion sensors in offices and workspaces.
4. Reduce the number of personal refrigerators, coffee makers and microwaves in facilities by 75 percent and consolidate remaining appliances in designated break rooms.
5. Ensure all door closers function properly on exterior doors or doors between two air conditioning zones at different temperatures.
6. Evaluate work schedules, task schedules and equipment operation to minimize utility demand costs.

"The most important thing an individual can do is to stop and think about how they can conserve," Mr. Edmisten said. "This may involve something as simple as turning the lights off or just shutting an outside door. If we all try and conserve, all of the little items add up when the group is combined."

According to Mr. Edmisten, the 509th CES is doing its part by upgrading and replacing the infrastructure of the base. With the combined effort of the team the energy goals can be met.

"By doing the little things, the major goals can be accomplished," he said.