Going green can be ‘eco’-nomical Published May 30, 2008 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Think helping the environment is expensive? Think again. Going green is actually saving green for the base, and individuals who take a cue from Peterson can save a few bucks at home, too. Officials with the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron here are pushing energy conservation efforts, asking offices to upgrade to more efficient equipment and promoting recycling and reuse programs. The green initiatives help the base reduce its environmental impact while easing the financial squeeze that comes from rising gas, energy and product costs. "Our energy costs are rising eight percent every year," said Randy Pieper, resource efficiency manager with the 21st CES. "That's faster than inflation. We're actually running uphill in sand trying to keep up with the cost, so any conservation efforts help keep our budget from getting out of control." Peterson currently spends $4.6 million annually on energy, not including base housing, and the wing is mandated by the Air Force to reduce the base's energy use 30 percent by 2015. Most reductions will have to be achieved by upgrading a lot of the equipment used by the base's computer-reliant missions. But the 21st CES is also launching a campaign touting the small things base employees can do to conserve. Turning off lights in rooms that aren't in use, getting rid of multiple mini refrigerators and space heaters, shutting off computer monitors before leaving for the day and other minor actions really add up, Mr. Pieper said. "Every dollar wasted for no reason is taking money away from the war fighter, from your unit's budget, from programs that make life here enjoyable," he said. "Every time someone conserves, they're helping us save money and meet our goals." The base's recycling program is also a good way to help the wing save money. The used cardboard, paper, plastic and aluminum the base collects earn Peterson credit toward its trash bill and also reduce the amount of trash the base must pay to have hauled off base. In the last few years, the recycling program has saved the base roughly $10,000 annually, despite minimal participation from base users. Phil Chase, pollution prevention manager with the 21st CES, said waste audits have shown up to 60 percent of the base's trash is made up of recyclables. If more people took the time to sort their trash into recyclables, the base could save thousands of dollars more each year with the recycling program, he said. "We're doing okay, but we could be doing so much better," he said. "If more people would recycle, we would see much greater savings." Mr. Chase is also encouraging base units to take a hard look at consumption habits. Instead of throwing away an office chair that breaks, it's often cheaper - and more environmentally-friendly - to have it fixed. Have no use for that desk in the corner? Units should ask around and see if another office could find a use for it before hauling it to the trash bin. "If we're recycling and reusing products, we're saving energy and money by not making and buying new products," he said. Individuals can adopt a lot of the base's initiatives in order to save the planet and some money. At home, people can reduce their energy use by installing insulation and weather stripping, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and switching to compact-fluorescent bulbs, Mr. Pieper said. While many of the changes can be expensive at first, they'll save consumers more money in the long run, Mr. Pieper said. CFLs alone - which the 21st CES will be distributing for free later this summer - can save users $60 over the life of one bulb. Recycling, reducing and reusing can also save money at home. At some recycling centers in Colorado Springs, people can receive money for turning in their crushed aluminum cans and other goods, Mr. Chase said. Individuals can also cut back on the amount of things they buy. They can also give away or sell items they no longer need and fix broken products instead of throwing them out, Mr. Chase said - all actions that will save a few dollars and help the environment. And the sooner changes are made, the better, both Mr. Pieper and Mr. Chase said. With energy prices outpacing inflation, it's best to act as soon as possible to get the most financial benefit. "Energy is going to continue to get more expensive," said Mr. Pieper. "Doing energy conservation projects today will save a lot of money in the long run."