Energy management everyone’s job if goals are to be achieved Published Nov. 15, 2012 By Courtesy of the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron 6th Civil Engineer Squadron MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Since the Energy Policy Act was signed in 2005, energy management and conservation at MacDill Air Force Base has not just been the "right thing to do" but the law. Indeed, the law was followed by a series of executive orders and policy memorandums which mandate everyone who works at MacDill to change the way they operate in order to maximize energy savings and to assure we have the energy we need to support the mission. According to Col. James Hodges, 6th Mission Support Group commander, "The law and subsequent executive orders, Department of Defense and Air Force directives becomes the main operational tools in reducing MacDill AFB's facility energy consumption by 3 percent per year through 2015. It also introduces a capital investment strategy to fund projects targeting energy consumption reduction. Many facilities on base have already benefitted from these projects and more projects are 'in the pipeline' over the course of the next couple of years. However, such projects and capital investment alone are not all that is needed to reach our mandated goals. Much more must be done and everyone must be engaged if the base is to reach its goal and create a culture that considers energy in all we do." Personal electronics and appliances Coffee pots, refrigerators, microwaves and other kitchen appliances must be located in common use areas such as break rooms or recreational rooms. All appliances which can be powered off during unoccupied hours should in fact be turned off. All computer peripherals should be shut down or at lowest possible setting during unoccupied hours, weekends, holidays or other long periods when not in use. Using the "Energy Saver" option accessible in your computers control panel is good, but using the off switch on monitors, printers and etc. ensures the lowest possible power consumption. Lighting Interior office lighting will be turned off during unoccupied hours and when not in use. This can be done manually, with the support of base personnel or through the use of occupancy sensors or timers. Exterior lighting not required for safety, security, or base operations shall be off between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.. All newly installed or replaced lighting will adhere to the MacDill Energy Efficient Equipment Guide and the MacDill Design Guide. Heating ventilation and air conditioning systems Individual space heaters and dehumidifiers are prohibited and must be removed by the facility manager if found. Facility space temperature will be held in accordance with the table below. This standard applies to all MacDill AFB facilities to include all mission partners and reimbursable customers. Any variations must be approved in writing by the 6th MSG commander. There are many pieces to the energy management and conservation effort that depend on individuals assigned and working here at MacDill getting "plugged-in." In the words of the Bob Hughes, 6th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, "our mandated targets for energy reduction cannot be accomplished without the help of all base personnel."