Aviano energy efforts to save $300k annually

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Brian Wagner
  • 31st Fighter Wing public affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Fighter Wing has increased its focus on energy-saving initiatives by taking multiple steps over the last few years to focus on cost effective, energy efficient projects.

In November 2008, the wing established the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Asset Management Optimization Office to find ways to save energy costs and increase our use of renewable energy.

"Our office works with wing leadership and base engineers to set our energy goals and track our progress," said Damiano Rigo, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron asset optimization element chief. "The Energy Management Steering Group and the Civil Engineer Energy Team bring together leadership quarterly to propose energy savings projects and discuss ways each group is reducing their energy consumption."

In 2009, the base proposed 39 projects valued at $9 million dollars to United States Air Forces in Europe for funding. Some of the approved projects include USAFE's first geothermal project, streetlight bulb replacement and boiler conversions from oil to methane gas.

Geothermal plant: This will produce cooled water for air conditioning systems and hot water for toilets and showers. Construction on the project has just begun and when completed, will save about $38,000 dollars annually.

Street lights: Another major project to reduce energy includes replacing 900 existing street lights with energy efficient bulbs. The project is estimated to save about $80,000 dollars a year in energy costs.

Boiler conversions: A third project includes repairing and replacing 13 boiler rooms around base with new boilers that use methane gas instead of oil-based products. This project will save about $190,000 dollars a year.

"All three projects are scheduled to be complete by the end of 2010," said Lt. Col. Bo Bloomer, 31st CES commander. "These projects are just some of the ways we have looked at our energy consumption, figured out ways to reduce energy and implemented changes to reduce our energy footprint."

But the wing hasn't stopped with just these projects. Among the projects to be included in this year's proposal include solar panels for multiple locations around base, a water collection system for the recreation and golf course areas, and thermal shields for some older buildings.

The wing has also asked for assistance from the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency. AFCESA will conduct an energy audit this summer to measure how much energy each facility uses, said Mr. Rigo. The audit will encompass 1.8 million square feet of space and will determine how much electric, heat and water is being consumed by each facility. This will allow base engineers to pinpoint where to focus energy saving projects.

The wing has also set a goal to have every major renovation or new construction within the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED green building rating system is now the benchmark for "green" construction.

Two facilities at Aviano Air Base are currently slated to become LEED certified: The new operations flight building and the flight medicine clinic both on Area F, said Colonel Bloomer.

Anyone that has an energy saving tip can call the asset optimization office at 632-3051.

To learn more about the overall Air Force Energy Plan, visit the Secretary of the Air Force Installation, Environment and Logistics public Web site at http://www.safie.hq.af.mil/esoh/index.asp.