JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
The Department of Defense is looking for ways to save money without having to sacrifice services. I am convinced energy conservation is a way the Joint Base San Antonio community can do its part to help.
JBSA is instituting a new energy conservation awareness campaign aimed at making all of us more focused on energy and water conservation. We cannot do this alone and need the JBSA community's help. Each of us can make a difference in our success-- just by adjusting daily habits in small ways. The results may surprise you.
Take an Army Base in Germany who has implemented an effective energy awareness campaign. They estimate saving 2,500 kilowatts of electricity per year by simply turning off lights in rooms not occupied. How easy is that? If our Army friends can do it, so can we.
Here are some quick and easy things you can do at home to help conserve energy:
· Turn hot water to 110°F-120°F,
· Place computers in sleep/hibernate mode when not in use after 10 minutes,
· Set thermostats to 77°F to maximize energy efficiency during cooling season,
· Repair leaky faucets,
· Turn the water off while brushing your teeth,
· Consider using water efficient shower heads,
· Wash clothes in cold or warm water, vice hot,
· Place the refrigerator temperature setting between 35°F -40°F or a middle dial setting,
· Place the freezer at 0°F,
· Replace the rubber gasket around refrigerator doors if worn/cracking,
· Turn OFF lights and ceiling fans in any room you're not using,
· Unplug battery chargers when the batteries are fully charged or the chargers are not in use,
· Participate in the JBSA recycling programs.
So, in coming weeks, you will see more information concerning Energy Awareness and what you personally can do at home and in your workplace to reduce energy consumption. You will see energy awareness tips in your email, while traveling around the installation, and in common areas. I thank you very much for your help and service to our country. It is an honor to serve with you and together we can promote a culture of energy awareness at Joint Base San Antonio. Thanks for your recognition and continued support of these and other important energy initiative.
ROBERT D. LABRUTTA
Brigadier General, USAF
Commander, 502d Air Base Wing