Energy reductions remains a priority Published May 9, 2012 By Jenny Gordon 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Reducing energy at Robins remains a top priority. With an Air Force goal of reducing energy intensity by 30 percent by the end of fiscal 2015, a number of projects are currently in progress. Lighting upgrades are currently taking place on a few maintenance docks on the eastside of the base, and also in Bldg. 350 and Bldg. 376. Extensive light renovations were also completed last fall at the Fitness Center, resulting in more energy-efficient lighting in Bldg. 826 and Bldg. 827. Solar lighting was also used near gym windows, and lighting was replaced in racquetball and basketball courts, and indoor track lights. These will result in an estimated savings of over $10,000 per year, according to Terry Landreth, 78th Civil Engineer Group, CE Energy Office supervisor. High mast lighting controls were also recently installed on over 90 outdoor lights across the base. These control systems will allow lights to either be turned off or reduced by 50 percent at night to reduce energy, while taking into consideration overall safety and security. These changes will be implemented in the next few weeks. Several large scale projects have also been proposed for fiscal 2013. These include improving monitor and control systems to reduce energy, basewide building improvements, water conservation efforts, additional lighting projects and other initiatives. As budgets get tighter, energy budgets will be affected, explained Landreth. Everyone will need to play a crucial role during these changing times by using best-management practices to reduce energy consumption. These include turning off lights, computer monitors, fax machines and other office equipment when not in use. "We are looking for people to conserve energy the best way they can," he said.