Upcoming energy fair spotlights energy-efficient technology

  • Published
  • By Robert Goetz
  • 502nd Air Base Wing OL-B Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  San Antonio residents and visitors soon will have an opportunity to see the latest energy-saving technology, including some products that are being used to make Randolph Air Force Base and the rest of the Air Force more energy efficient.

The second annual Randolph Energy Fair, which takes place Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kendrick Club, will feature vendors for a variety of products, from light-emitting diode lighting to window insulating panels. The event coincides with Energy Awareness Month.

"This year, we are co-sponsoring the fair with W.W. Grainger Inc. and approximately 30 vendors will demonstrate their energy products," said Ruben Ramos, 902nd Civil Engineer Squadron utilities engineer. "We want to make people aware of energy conservation and the new technology that's out there."

City Public Service representatives also are slated to participate in the event. They will provide information on rebates and savings the utility offers, he said.

Bruce Dschuden, a 902nd CES resource efficiency manager, said the energy fair will allow base leaders to look at technology that can help the Air Force achieve more energy savings and give all personnel, both active-duty and civilian, a chance to see products they can use at home. The event will also benefit construction contractors and subcontractors by showing them energy-efficient technology they can use.

"It lets leadership know what energy technology is out there," he said. "We are mandated to meet certain goals and requirements to achieve a 30 percent reduction in energy use by 2015."

Mr. Ramos said since 2005 Randolph AFB "has reduced its energy intensity by nearly 12 percent by implementing energy conservation projects and doing an energy awareness campaign constantly."

The energy fair will also spotlight solar technology as well as reflective roofs and grayscaping, or the use of wastewater for irrigation purposes.

Mr. Dschuden said last year's inaugural event was successful, and the goal is to improve it each year.

"The response to it was positive; we heard a lot of good feedback," he said. "We met our objective -- to make a splash and raise more awareness of the need to conserve energy. It was a good learning experience and a great first start, but we want to keep improving it."