CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
When it comes to finding ways to keep Joint Base Charleston "green" it's safe to say the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron here will find ways to make it happen.
The newest project to go green at JB CHS involves Induction lighting as the way ahead.
"What we are doing is changing out existing mercury vapor or high pressure sodium fixtures and installing induction fixtures in their place," said Jeffrey Morgan, energy program manager for the 628 CES.
By replacing the existing fixtures with induction lighting, the 628 CES will be able to reduce the wattage of the old fixtures by half, while still being able to maintain the same level of light output.
Another bonus by switching to induction lighting is the extended lifespan of the bulbs.
The lifespan for induction lighting is eight to 10 years as opposed to the four to five year lifespan with what is currently installed, said Mr. Morgan.
Bottom line, by installing induction lighting across the base, Joint Base Charleston should see a savings of 380 million British Thermal Units, or $297,000 a year in energy savings.
So far, more than 621 light fixtures around the base have been refitted with new, energy saving, induction lighting.
This comes on the back of the 2008 to 2009 project called Operation Change Out - Military Challenge, which was the bases first lighting initiative.
The goal of the program was to change out the incandescent bulbs in base housing and the dormitories with compact fluorescent bulbs.
"We achieved a pledge of 2,417 bulbs changed out in a year's time," said Mr. Morgan. "What we did, was change out 40 watt and 60 watt incandescent bulbs with their equivalent compact fluorescent bulbs."
We saved an estimated $33,000 a year, which was the energy savings cost associated with this operation, said Mr. Morgan.
Want to know what is up next on the list of lighting projects?
"We are looking at replacing all of the street lighting, from Hill Boulevard to the flightline and all the branch out streets with induction lighting" said Mr. Morgan. "Right now this is still in the design phase."
If everything goes according to plan and funding is approved, construction should begin during the Fiscal Year 11-12 time frame.