Air Force members earn Department of Energy awards Published Oct. 11, 2006 By Dr. Ronald B. Hartzer Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency 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.The awards, sponsored by the U.S. 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.FEMP leaders presented the awards at a recent ceremony in Washington, D.C. The Air Force award winners are:2006 Federal Energy and Water Management Awards-- Energy Efficiency/Energy Management, Small Group: The Energy Efficiency Group, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Group members include George Lopez, Matt Capano, Andre Johnson and Master Sgt. David Minzie. This group planned, managed and executed a program that substantially reduced the energy consumption across the base and resulted in savings of over $3.9 million per year in utility costs.-- Energy Efficiency/Energy Management, Small Group: The 28th CES Energy Management Team at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. Group members include Dennis Svalstad, Chris Tinsley and Jon Rexroad from Ellsworth, along with Chuck Miller and Lisa Teeslink from WBI Holdings, Inc., in Rapid City, S.D. This team initiated basewide programs that provide a savings of more than $472,000 annually while greatly improving the quality of life across the base. -- Renewable Energy, Small Group: The Renewable Energy Group, 75th CES, Hill AFB, Utah. Group members include 1st Lt. Jonathan Corwin, 1st Lt. Timothy Hinko, David Abbott, Leon Jones and Kent Nomura. The Hill AFB group developed innovative projects, including 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.The facility received a plaque informing visitors that they are entering a federal government building that uses energy and water wisely and saves taxpayer dollars. Air Force Spring 2006 "You Have The Power" Energy Champion The Air Force selected Dean Nakasone of Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, as their champion. DOE FEMP recognizes the "You Have the Power" Energy Champion Awardees from federal agencies and Department of Defense branches for their outstanding achievements in the conservation and efficient use of energy.A poster of the 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.