Saving energy the CE way Published Oct. 29, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Civil Engineer Squadron has a couple of projects in the works that fall in line with the President's Energy Action Month in October. The projects include updating a building cooling system called the virtual chiller loop, and upgrading exterior lights. The 17th CES is currently working on a virtual chiller loop project that was initially completed in 2006. After eight years in service, it was time for the system to be updated and help Goodfellow save money. According to Mary C. Lumsdon, 17th CES base energy manager, the retrocommissioning project is expected to save approximately $181,000 annually in energy costs. Additionally, the 17th CES is set to begin upgrading exterior lighting on 22 facilities to improve the light quality and reduce energy consumption. "Lighting accounts for the majority of the energy used by Goodfellow, and by upgrading to LED fixtures and bulbs, the energy consumption will be greatly reduced," added Lumsdon. The new lighting is projected to save the base $21,000 annually. Lumsdon also stressed on the need to use water wisely. "Even though we've gotten some rain, we still need to conserve," she added. In a letter signed by Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force, Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, they state "we need every Airman to drive innovation and ensure we efficiently use every pound of jet fuel, every watt of electricity and every gallon of gasoline. During these challenging times, every dollar counts and your actions contribute to reducing costs and supporting mission effectiveness."
