Save your energy

One of the three Caribous from No. 38 Squadron shown over part of New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud.

By FLGOFF Harriet Pointon

In keeping with Defence’s commitment to reduce its energy usage by 120,000 tons by June 2004, RAAF Base Pearce has implemented an innovative program of Energy Awareness.

While many physical measures have been put in place to reduce energy consumption, such as lighting upgrades, and use of solar panels to replace aging hot water systems, the base is also addressing the issue with an education and awareness program.

“It’s not easy managing energy consumption on a military base where there are certain operational requirements that require electricity,” Squadron Leader Andrew Williamson said.

“Sometimes we need to have the lights in the hangars on into the night to support our pilots in their training. Lighting a hangar consumes a lot of power.”

Having taken operational matters into consideration, the RAAF Base Pearce Energy Management Committee set about devising a program to educate and involve the entire base community in meeting the energy savings target.

“It’s all about individuals making an effort,” SQNLDR Williamson said.

“We have Energy Champions in each part of the base who actively educate and encourage their colleagues to be aware of the power they are consuming.

“We are already finding that small measures such as turning off lights or appliances can add up to a decent saving.”

SQNLDR Williamson is confident that RAAF Base Pearce can achieve a reduction in its energy consumption of 9.1 per cent by June 2003.

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