Nellis takes steps toward alternative energy Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With gas prices sky-rocketing and the president pushing new green house gas emission standards, it has been a priority for working families to find new and more cost effective forms of alternative energy. The military is a prime example of this initiative, providing energy to servicemembers and their families in a variety of ways. "Alternative energy is what people are looking into now," said Robert Nieves, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron energy resource manager. "What we are seeing, from the average family to the federal government, is a major initiative to incorporate new energy-efficient ways to do some of the same things we do now." October is Energy Awareness Month throughout the Federal government. Over the years, Nellis has been one of the leading bases from any service in the Department of Defense to search for ways of providing more environmentally friendly alternative energy while maintaining the same living standards Airmen are used to enjoying at any other Air Force base. These steps to ensure the most cost effective facility, fuel and water energy resources have led Nellis to become an example of the military's willingness to adapt its energy methods to the needs of the 21st century. "Different bases constantly call our office looking for advice in implementing some of the same energy techniques we have at Nellis," said Ed Sidenstricker, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager. Many Airmen and their families have been more resourceful in thinking of ways to travel from here to there. Alternate means of transportation, such as bikes, have been utilized greatly in the past few years; however, there are times when having an automobile becomes a necessity. Wing commanders are afforded government vehicles because of their official meeting schedule in the community and on base which requires their use. In May, the wing commanders replaced their older staff vehicles with new energy efficient hybrid cars. Hybrid vehicles contain an engine that uses a combination of gas and electric energy from the battery to increase its gas mileage. By using less gas, harmful emissions put into the atmosphere are sharply reduced. This major push to improve gas milage is the first step in making sure less gas is needed for government-owned vehicles. "We are trying to maximize our alternative energy output while lowering our carbon output," said Tech. Sgt. Lorena Singh, 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of vehicle management and analysis. "We have an executive order to become more energy efficient whenever possible." Facility energy includes all electrical and natural gas energy that is used to power the buildings on Nellis and Creech. The facility energy needs of Nellis are extensive due to the amount of people it takes to operate a base which is home to several major units. Nellis is known for being the home to North America's largest solar photovoltaic array system, but not much else is known about the other steps Nellis takes in providing electrical energy for the base and Las Vegas area. There are several steps taken to ensure energy is not wasted. Motion sensor lights are a major part of the Airman dormitory area. With these lights available, electrical energy output in the dormitories has seen a significant decrease. Creech is also taking steps to find alternative energy sources to power its facilities. A majority of the buildings on Creech are powered by natural gas such as propane. "We use the base common energy conservation policy as a guide to think of new was to conserve energy and find alternate ways of providing energy to the Airmen," said Mr. Sidenstricker. According to the Nevada Energy Group, Nevada has been called the perfect place to invest in alternative energy projects because of its year-round sunny conditions. Because of these circumstances, Nellis is continually looking into alternative energy such as geothermal, biomass, and waste energy to see what is useable on Nellis and Creech. Nellis is also looking at ways to contain its increasing water usage. In Jan., the City of North Las Vegas, with cooperation from Nellis, held a ground breaking ceremony for a new water reclamation facility. This new facility, which will be completed in 2010, is expected to boost Southern Nevada's water resources by treating up to 25 million gallons of wastewater per day. By providing the land for the new reclamation plant, Nellis will in turn be provided free water to irrigate its golf course until 2036. Nellis also saves water through its xeriscaping program. Xeriscaping refers to landscaping in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for irrigation. This program was implemented in 2008 and has been estimated to save 55 gallons of water per square-feet at Nellis. By making strides in facility, water, and fuel resources, Nellis continues to lead innovation of alternative energy sources in the military.
