Energy, water efficiency earn Air Force bases awards

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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  Saving energy and money, while helping the environment, earned the Air Force several Federal Energy and Water Management Awards for 2006. 

The awards, sponsored by the Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program, are given annually to recognize outstanding contributions toward increased energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation within the federal sector. 

During a recent ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., FEMP leaders presented the awards. The Air Force award winners in each category are:

2006 Federal Energy and Water Management Awards (three winners):

Energy Efficiency/Energy Management, Small Group -- The Energy Efficiency Group, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron at Andrews AFB, Md. Group members include George Lopez, Matt Capano, Andre Johnson and Master Sgt. David Minzie. The group's program substantially reduced the energy consumption on base -- saving more than $3.9 million per year in utility costs.

Energy Efficiency/Energy Management, Small Group -- The 28th Civil Engineering Energy Management Team at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. Group members include Dennis Svalstad, Chris Tinsley, and Jon Rexroad from Ellsworth AFB, along with Chuck Miller and Lisa Teeslink from WBI Holdings, Inc., of Rapid City, S.D. The team's programs saved more than $472,000 annually.

Renewable Energy, Small Group -- The Renewable Energy Group, 75th Civil Engineer Squadron at Hill AFB, Utah. Group members include 1st Lt. Jonathan Corwin, 1st Lt. Timothy Hinko, David Abbott, Leon Jones and Kent Nomura. One of the group's innovative projects included a renewable energy landfill gas-to-electrical power project that produces 1.3 megawatts of power and saves more than $740,000 per year in utility costs.

Federal Energy Saver Showcase Award:

To promote wise energy and water use throughout the Federal government, agencies showcase cost-effective technologies in their facilities that enhance energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy. Since 1995, FEMP has recognized more than 100 facilities across the country as Federal Energy Saver Showcases. The 2006 Air Force base winner is Edwards AFB, Calif., for the Consolidated Support Facility, completed in May 2004. 

U.S. Air Force Spring 2006 "You Have the Power" Energy Champion:

The Air Force selected Dean Nakasone of Hickam AFB, Hawaii, as its "Champion." Federal agencies and Department of Defense branches are recognized as "You Have the Power" Energy Champion Awardees by DOE FEMP for outstanding achievements in the conservation and efficient use of energy. 

A poster of the U.S. Air Force Energy Champion was published and distributed by DOE FEMP to major commands and bases for April's "Earth Day" and was posted on the FEMP Web site.