MCAS Yuma wins Western award with aggressive conservation plan
Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz., is the latest recipient of Western's Administrator's Award for the air station's long-term commitment to energy efficiency.
"It's a clear case of setting a goal and using every opportunity and resource to reach it," said Steven Szarka, Energy Services manager for Western's Desert Southwest Region. "What they have accomplished on a tight budget with limited manpower is a tribute to Marine Corps ingenuity and an inspiration to other facilities."
Over the past 18 years, MCAS—Yuma has reduced its energy use by an impressive 22 percent overall—measured against the 1985 baseline established by the Energy Policy Act of 1992. "We are only doing what all Marine bases are doing—trying to bring our energy use into line with Federal goals," said Base Energy Manager Ron Durfey, referring to EPAct and Executive Order 13123.
Audits, improvements add up to big energy savings
Under Durfey's leadership, MCAS—Yuma audited energy use in more than 3.6 million square feet of air station facilities and housing. Western's Equipment Loan Program supplied some of the auditing equipment that identified $7.3 million of potential energy efficiency improvements. "If all those projects were completed, the base could save approximately $1.3 million annually in energy costs," noted the energy manager.
With so much to do and so little centralized funding, the air station investigated alternative avenues of financing and discovered the Utility Energy Savings Contract. Under the agreement, the local utility, Arizona Public Service, provides the up-front cost of the energy project, and the air station pays back the project with the energy savings.
The energy services division of APS also helped MCAS—Yuma's energy office prioritize projects and determine their economic feasibility. "A project has to pay for itself through energy savings within 10 years," Durfey clarified.
MCAS—Yuma has executed three UESCs with APS and is working on a fourth. Although three projects don't sound like much, Durfey pointed out that each contract encompasses a long list of measures and technologies. The most recent project included installing 317 day-lighting units in 15 buildings, lighting retrofits for seven buildings, occupancy sensors in 44 buildings and replacing perimeter lighting at Cannon Air Defense with an Optex security system. Those are only a few of the $3 million in energy projects the air station has completed in the last three years, for a total reduced utility cost of about $300,000 annually.
Training, outreach contribute to program success
While energy efficiency projects provide measurable results, MCAS Yuma's energy conservation program has not overlooked the role that education plays in long-term success. Staff who design facilities, specify and maintain the equipment must keep up with the latest technologies and innovations in energy efficiency. "Western's workshops and seminars are very helpful in that area," Durfey commented. "We send our technicians whenever we're able to."
The energy office sponsors an inspection and monitoring program to raise energy awareness among all those who live and work at the base. The station energy monitor, "the eyes and ears of the energy office," conducts training sessions for civilians, Marines and their families, and distributes pamphlets and brochures on conservation. Local utilities also support programs to promote energy efficiency and safety.
Monitors also inspect facilities to see that they conform to the station's policies and guidelines. "They do their rounds on bicycles or in electric carts," said Durfey. "It brings us closer to the public and it sets a good example for environmentally friendly transportation."
The staff of the MCAS energy office created a Web site to provide energy and water conservation and recycling tips. Visitors to the site can learn about past and current projects, the resulting energy savings and awards the program has received.
In addition to the Western Administrator's Award, MCAS—Yuma received the Federal Energy Management Program 2001 award for reducing petroleum-based fuels and for its alternative fuel vehicles program. Ron Durfey received FEMP's award for outstanding service the same year. In 1998, the Secretary of the Navy gave the air station its Conservation Award for small shore activities. Characteristically, MCAS—Yuma reinvests its award funds in energy and quality of life programs.
That single-minded determination to leverage available resources may be the secret to a successful energy conservation program. "A facility can spend its time and energy budget on specialized equipment, research and consultants," stated Szarka, "or it can take advantage of existing programs like Western's Energy Services and focus its resources on the real goal—to reduce energy consumption."
