Be Green--It is good for RAF Lakenheath and the Earth

  • Published
  • By Col. Cassie Barlow
  • 48th Mission Support Group commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Earlier this month, we celebrated Earth Day at RAF Lakenheath. We were able to collect over 10 tons of materials for recycling. This is an amazing number and goes to show the very large impact our base community can have in the local area. I'd like to encourage you to think about recycling and living green all year and not just during earth week. Here is some food for thought!

As you are all aware, the cost of energy continues to rise to record levels. During 2009, the electric bill for RAF Lakenheath, including family housing, was more than $12 million. We can't control the rates we're charged, but we can control the amount of energy we use. Using less energy can be as easy as changing a light bulb. Below are some actions you can take to help conserve energy.

· Use compact fluorescent lights in desk lamps as opposed to incandescent lights.
· Use natural lighting when possible. Switch off all unnecessary lights, when working late, use task lighting to directly illuminate work areas. Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
· Unplug cell phone chargers, fans, coffeemakers, desktop printers and radios when you're not using them--they use electricity even when not in use.
· Turn off your office equipment and computer monitors at the end of the work day.
· Purchase energy-efficient products for your office area.
· Photocopy and print only what you need too.
· Close or tilt window blinds to block direct sunlight to reduce cooling needs during warm months.
· Drive the speed limit and make sure tires are inflated properly. Walk or use a bicycle when possible.
· Take shorter showers, wash full loads of laundry and full loads of dishes to reduce water use.

We are energy-conservation minded at RAF Lakenheath. Here are some of our current conservation efforts.

· We are installing dual flush toilets in new houses to reduce this water use by 30 percent.
· We are using solar panels in base houses to provide 30 percent of the hot water needed.
· We have installed insulation in base houses to stop heat loss, as well as specially insulated glass which holds in heat.
· 60-watt lights are being replaced with 9-watt lights in housing areas.
· Sensors are being used on houses to turn lights on and off during dark and daylight hours.
· We are using state of art the strategies for applying energy efficiency in construction projects.
· We've replaced over 5,200 older appliances with highly energy efficient ones in base houses.

Energy conservation is everyone's responsibility. Taking a few simple steps, such as those mentioned here, can make a difference. The energy conservation point of contact for the RAF Lakenheath is Mr. Parviz "Mo" Tigeri, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron, at 226-3017. If you have any energy-related questions, ideas, or concerns he will appreciate your call.