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Energy conservation team inspects McGuire

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley DiFalco
  • 305 AMW/PA
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  A team of individuals from the Departments of Defense and Energy visited McGuire last week for a five-day energy conservation audit.

The team of 13, along with the help of the 305th Civil Engineer Squadron, selected 20 buildings, at least 3,500 square feet or larger, to evaluate how to save energy and money.

"We looked at things such as new lighting, heating and ventilation, and anything that could potentially save energy, in return saving the Air Force money," said Capt. Paul Fredin, 305th CES.

On the final day of evaluation, a team of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century representatives, including Dr. Ronald Ritter, special assistant for AFSO 21, and Michael Aimone, Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support, paid a visit with installation leaders to share the AFSO 21 goal and see what developments could be made.

"We are here to support and enable you," said Dr. Ritter. "We want to keep the end goal in mind and change the problems that matter. I know we have tremendous people, with great ideas, and you are up to the challenge."

Mr. Aimone also reminded base leaders that the President has directed the Department of Defense to save an additional 30 percent in energy costs over the next 10 years - a demanding, yet possible initiative.

"We need to make energy a consideration in all we do," he said.

Mr. Aimone and his team presented Col. Rick Martin, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, with a $20,000 check to start the energy-saving projects here.

"All the initiatives are funding-dependent," said Captain Fredin. "We will use that money to the fullest in the next few months, and continue energy-saving programs beyond that."

According to Brig. Gen. Taco Gilbert, Air Force director of AFSO 21, smart operations is not just about cutting costs in 2007, it is about building an energy conservation "culture" at McGuire and across the Air Force.

"By participating and sharing your ideas, we will learn how to manage waste and increase productivity," General Gilbert said. "Saving energy and money can become second-nature to all of us."