Small fixes, big savings: Spangdahlem energy conservation efforts reduce utility costs
Through a combination of data-driven analyses, facility improvements and community awareness, the Installation Energy Programis advancing energy conservation efforts to reduce utility costs andmaintainmission readiness, here.
The programcoordinated efforts betweenmultiple agencies across the base,emphasizing thetrackingofutility use, improving facility efficiency,and encouraging practical, everyday conservation habits.These efforts recently led to significant cost-saving adjustments.
“Reducing energy costs is a lot of low-hanging fruit,” said Christian Thurner, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. “If temperatures are adjusted to what is needed, and windows and doors are closed after a certain time frame, that alone can make a big difference.”
Thurner, who has reviewed heating fuel consumption data at Spangdahlem fornearly twodecades, said the team uses benchmarking toidentifyfacilities with unusually high energy use. Benchmarking compares similar facilities using standardized measurements to helpidentifypotential outliers.
“With benchmarking, we can find facilities where there is still a lot of saving potential,” Thurner said. “Especially thoselow-cost or no-costoptions, where small changes make a big difference.”
During the last review, building 386 stood out.Additionalchecks showed the unoccupied facility was heated to approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit, even during winter conditions. The team reduced the temperature to about54 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in an estimated 14,000 liters of heating fuel saved annually, or roughly $14,000, according to engineers’ calculations.
“It was easy to fix without impacting anyone,” Thurner said. “Since the building was empty, no one was inconvenienced, and with minimal effort, it resulted in a significant savings.”
The walkthrough also revealedadditionalsources of waste that often go unnoticed in seldom-used buildings.
“The toilet in the bathroom of building 386 was constantly running,” said Sandra Wintrich, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron environmental engineer. “Water was being wasted for who knows how long.”
During another facility check, the team discovereda water leakthat had become so constant itappeared to supporta small “wetland” outside a building.
“It was nearly one liter per minute,” Wintrich said. “That’s a lot of water.”
Wintrich explained it’s not just electricity and fuel, but waterhasan energy footprint, too. Every gallon of water requires energy to pump, move, treat and, in some cases, heat before reaching base facilities, a concept known as the water-energy nexus.
According to Daniel Thiel, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager, Spangdahlem Air Base spends approximately $13 million annually on utilities, including electricity and heating fuel. While newer, more energy-efficient construction has helped reduce some consumption, he said community awarenessremainscritical.
“During winter months, the reduction of radiator settings from the three to two position results in about a 24% savings,” Thiel said. “It’s just a small step down on the thermostat, but it can lead to significant fuel oil savings.”
Reducing overall energy demand lowers reliance on emergency backup systems, making it easier tomaintainmission readiness.The team encourages base personnel to take simple actions that reduce waste without reducing comfort, including turning down heat in unoccupied spaces, closing doors and windows, turning off unnecessary lighting, and reporting leaks or facility issues as soon asthey’renoticed.
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