Lightening Our Bootprint
By Joan Glinn, Environmental Specialist
After three and a half years on the job as the agency's Energy Manager, Mr. Ted Wilson, is helping the Texas Army National Guard conserve energy while saving money.
"My goal is to lower energy costs without jeopardizing the comfort of office occupants. Money from the savings is then available to support our troops," states Wilson.
One of Wilson's focuses has been the installation of low Mercury, high energy-efficient lights at eleven Texas Army National Guard facilities. The upgraded lights not only save the Guard money in lower energy costs, they provide better working light. By giving off a far more natural white light that's similar to the sun, a more favorable working environment is provided.
Potential cost savings from the lighting retrofits are beginning to add up, totaling about $240,000 in anticipated annual cost avoidance. This includes savings of $44,000 annually due to the 2008 installation of high energy-efficient lights throughout Camp Mabry, as well as energy cost savings from recent retrofits at Austin Bergstrom and Camp Mabry that are projected to annually save an additional $196,000.
 Solar panels on top of the Ellington Field Readiness Center. |
 Solar panels on top of the Bee Caves Readiness Center. |
The Texas Army National Guard's latest energy saving projects were made possible by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as the stimulus package. Part of the $2.5 Million awarded to the Texas Military Forces has funded the installation of solar panels at Building 66 on Camp Mabry, as well as solar arrays on the roofs of the Bee Caves Readiness Center, Austin Bergstrom, Ellington Field Readiness Center, Martindale, and San Antonio FMS.
The energy cost savings from the solar projects is projected at $41,000 annually, with a 20 year payback on the investment. Solar energy technologies often have higher initial costs which is recovered through substantial fuel savings over the life of the project (solar panels are viable for up to 50 years). In 2009, the agency received $100,000 in solar rebates from Austin Energy plus an additional $166,000 is expected from San Antonio's utility company.
"The support of the Sustainability Team and the invaluable assistance and coordination provided by individuals such as Hall Lamme, CFMO master planner and Grants Manager Kathy Smelker, made these solar projects possible," says Wilson.
Wilson plans to continue striving to provide better work surroundings that not only benefit the environment, but help control the budget. As long as funding is available, he sees lighting projects continuing until 100 percent of Texas National Guard buildings are retrofitted. However, additions to the solar projects may have to wait until solar arrays are more economical. For information on energy management contact Ted Wilson, energy manager at 512-782-6212, DSN 954-6212 or ted.wilson2@us.army.mil.