Pete Light’s mail bag Published Oct. 26, 2010 By Monica Mendoza 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- You've seen him, you love him, you just want to wrap your arms around that 7-foot- big lug of an energy efficient light bulb. It's "Pete Light" -- the 21st Space Wing energy awareness mascot -- and he's been making the rounds to commanders' meetings, to Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, to the base exchange and most recently to the Peterson Air Force Base north gate to discuss energy awareness. The brains behind "Pete Light" are the energy team members at the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, and they have been sending out energy awareness pop-up messages to base computers to remind base employees that turning off computers, lights and printers when not in use can make a difference to the energy bill. The team, and Pete Light, wants to hear from you on how the 21st Space Wing can cut back on its energy consumption and save money. So far, dozens of employees have sent in their ideas to PeteLight@peterson.af.mil. Here is a sample of Pete Light's mail bag: Dear Pete Light, I would like to offer up the following idea to save paper; units can have their computer support designate specific computers to be set for 'double-sided printing' as the default. People could then still choose single-sided when necessary, but we would save a lot of paper by changing the default, especially when there are individuals who like to print out multiple page e-mails to remind them of things to do, only to trash at the end of day. We should try to encourage units to stop printing paper training packets, (which never get read anyway). Instead, just have the PowerPoint presentations for the class, and e-mail the copy of materials to attendees." V/r Carlo Dear Carlo, That's a great idea for a federal policy. Not only for the electrical savings by not printing as much, but processing, transporting, and recycling paper is an extremely energy intense process. This is a good macro level suggestion. Thanks, "Pete Light" Dear Pete Light, I have noticed many TLF light bulbs still using the old style light bulbs, instead use LED or CFL's. Install smart meters in each on base housing unit and all rooms with smart meters that show each outlet and lighting system usage per minute/hour/day, etc. Hold squadron comparisons each month and see who can beat the other. Would take an upfront investment but would cut costs and in return pay for itself in the long term. V/r Shae Dear Shae, It never ceases to amaze me how astute people are to energy. I think we should put your suggestion in the base paper and let people weigh in on some friendly competition. We have a metering system on base. We can't do individual rooms, but we can do buildings. Maybe pair up similar buildings like NORAD and Space Command and 21st HQ and 302 HQ. Thank you, "Pete Light" Dear Pete Light, I believe we could save more energy by encouraging telework and possible cubicle sharing. If people alternated the days they teleworked, multiple individuals could alternate using the same cubicle on base for those days they needed to come into the office. Thanks, Mark Dear Mark, Personally, I think that is a great idea. The corporate environment has recognized the cost savings of telecommuting across several areas, not just in energy. Savings can be achieved in real estate costs, office furniture, and office supplies. Other effects include improved employee morale, reduced traffic, and employees save money by not commuting as much. It is certainly worth evaluating. Thank you, "Pete Light"