Going green in more than one way Published May 11, 2009 By Ron Scharven 47 FTW/PA LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Imagine if the base was awarded $1.5 million just for turning off unused lights, minimizing heating and air conditioning use and unplugging items not needed. That is what the first place winner in Air Education and Training Command's Energy Management Incentive Award program will be awarded. The second and third place bases receive $1 million and $500,000 respectively. Any money received can be spent by the base however it desires. For the contest, the 11 AETC bases are compared to their own baseline average energy usage from 2005 through 2007. The base that shows the greatest reduction in energy usage from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, walks away with the prize. According to 1st Lt. Micki Smeeding, a program engineer in the 47th Installation Support Squadron (P), turning the lights off when you leave a room, your cubicle or office for any length of time saves energy. "Everyone at Laughlin can help save energy," Lieutenant Smeeding said. "Besides turning off lights, turn off fans, printers, monitors and copiers when not in use, be aware of and report problems. If you see irrigation running at 4:30 in the afternoon, a room that is too hot or cold or leaks, just call the ISS Service Desk at 298-5488." Lieutenant Smeeding said removing personal coffee pots, refrigerators and space heaters can save quite a bit of energy too, as can changing the filter in your air conditioning system frequently to ensure the system operates at peak efficiency. In addition to turning unused items off, individuals are also encouraged to use necessary items within reason. "Keeping your air conditioner at a little higher temperature in the summer and the heater at a lower temperature in the winter not only saves money, but also helps save energy at the same time," she said. It's the little things that add up not only for the base, but also for the Air Force. The Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the Federal Government. In fiscal year 2007, the Air Force spent more than $1.06 billion for utilities. "Currently Laughlin is in fourth place behind Vance and Altus AFBs, Okla., and Luke AFB, Ariz.," Lieutenant Smeeding said. "The command is giving away $3 million in the next two months just for saving energy and our goal is to take first place. It's up to all of us, but getting into the top three wouldn't be bad either," she said.