New changes boost Incirlik's energy conservation campaign

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Caleb Pierce
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Effective May 15, 2015, the 39th Air Base Wing will implement new changes to boost the base's conservation efforts to reduce energy cost and usage, here.

During fiscal year 2014, the 39th ABW saved $1.4 million in utility costs, but the wing is looking to make a bigger impact in fiscal year 2015.

According to the base memorandum, the new base policy on landscape irrigation and grass watering in base housing is only permitted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. until further notice.

These actions and initiatives will help enable the wing to achieve the federal mandated energy goal of 30 percent reduction in energy use by 2015 and 26 percent water reduction by 2020. In addition, this change will help improve the safety and quality of the drinking water as explained by the base energy manager.

"Saving water helps to preserve our environment and improve the overall water quality due to decreased nitrate levels, which is very important to the health and well-being of Airmen and their families," said Artemiz Avci, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager. "The majority of water used at home is used outdoors, so even small steps to save water can yield big savings.  The 39th ABW needs everyone's help to achieve the reduction goals. Every drop counts and every person can make a difference."

Avci went on to explain that even little things such as fixing a broken sprinkler, reporting any type of leakage or making sure that sprinklers are running in the cool of the morning can save lots of water.

"We want to make energy savings a habit for everybody every day. It's hard to change the culture, but we have to. We are losing the resources in the world and we need to be more aware of this and act accordingly," Avci said.  "Energy conservation is a year-round effort. We have to have energy conservation in mind with everything we do, that's the bottom line."

Along with water conservation, the wing is also continuing the effort by boosting energy conservation to lower usage. 

There are several ways for energy consumers to lower consumption which can include turning off lights and appliances when not in use; unplugging energy draining equipment (cell phones, chargers, fans, coffeemakers, radios, etc.); even the types of lightbulbs used can lower costs.

Among these energy reducing ideas, the wing observes a "no heat/no cool" season that utilizes favorable weather temperatures to heat and cool service member's residences during the Spring and Fall seasons which can save the base up to $300K annually.

"We have a great opportunity to help preserve our resources, save money, and increase the quality of our drinking water" said Col. Craig Wills, 39th ABW commander. "I believe we can make a real difference for our community if we all work together."

For more information on energy conservation, visit http://www.eere.energy.gov, or contact 39th CES at 676-6862.