NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

By: Denise Lineberry

According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Government spends more than $9 billion to power its vehicles, operations and approximately 500,000 facilities throughout the United States, making it the single largest domestic user of energy.

In an effort to benefit our nation, the DOE, through the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), has designated October as Energy Awareness Month.

NASA Langley answered the call by implementing new technologies, installing energy and water efficient systems and elevating employee participation in energy and water conservation.

“The center is committed to the efficient, cost effective and environmentally responsible use of energy throughout its operations,” said Bobby Charles, NASA Langley’s energy manager.

Efficient energy management at federal facilities will save taxpayer dollars, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment and natural resources. It also sets a good example for others.

"New Town" construction is taking place. This will be the first of many new, energy-efficient buildings at NASA Langley. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith

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In 2006 and 2007, NASA Langley was ahead of a legislation goal, which required federal agency facilities to reduce energy intensity by 3 percent annually, beginning in Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 and ending in FY 2015. In 2008, Langley fell behind.

An executive order introduced in FY 2007 required a reduction in water consumption by 2 percent annually through the end of FY 2015. In FY 2008, Langley achieved a reduction of 1 percent.

“The energy conservation effort will benefit from the New Town Project, which recently began construction of its first building and demolition of old and inefficient buildings,” Charles said.

A Utility Energy Services Contract (UESC), awarded to Virginia Natural Gas in July, will provide efficiency improvements by replacing inefficient lighting, heating and cooling equipment and water fixtures and performing retro-commissioning of selected buildings. The project also will install LED streetlights and a 36 kilowatt photovoltaic system.

“We are continuing to install electricity meters, which will enable us to troubleshoot, diagnose and discover areas that are using excessive energy,” Charles said.

But Charles is counting on more than technology to help get Langley back on track. “Employees have been very cooperative and realize the importance of conserving energy and water,” he said. “Increasing communication among building occupants would be helpful in assuring that the ‘last one out’ will make sure lights are turned off. In many locations, appropriate switches are not available to turn off lights, so we will pursue the installation of switches to make this easier.”

October is a time to get started on saving energy. But for Langley, it doesn’t stop there. “The promotion of energy awareness will continue year-round. As new legislation is released, the goals are likely to be more challenging,” Charles said.

A new Langley Energy and Water Efficiency Committee has been formed with its first meeting scheduled for November 9. The committee’s efforts, along with efforts by employees, will continue to reduce Langley’s carbon footprint.

“As more information becomes available on our progress with respect to goals, this information will be put on a Web site for employee access,” Charles said.


 
NASA Langley Research Center
Managing Editor: Jim Hodges
Executive Editor and Responsible NASA Official: H. Keith Henry
Editor and Curator: Denise Lineberry