Facility Energy Program earns new CDC playground for Tyndall kids

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 325th Civil Engineer Squadron
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Energy reduction efforts at Tyndall have translated into a cash award from Headquarters Air Education and Training Command.

The command's annual Energy Incentive Award recognizes the top three performers in energy and water intensity reduction.

For fiscal year 2011, Tyndall finished third in the command by reducing energy intensity by 8.2 percent compared to the average of the three prior years, which earned the base $500,000.
Base-wide efforts to conserve energy and water have yielded substantial savings in FY 11. Tyndall Air Force Base saw a drop of 7.6 percent in electricity and 16 percent in natural gas consumption.

This is due in large part to capital investments in infrastructure and efficiency improvements.

Tyndall Airmen have also played a large contribution in the reductions.

"Although difficult to measure, we think there has been some culture change toward energy," said Mr. Jon Caldwell, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager. "Airmen are seeing that it is a priority at all levels."

Mr. Caldwell's "One Percent Change" energy awareness campaign centers on the Air Force's requirement to cut energy intensity by three percent per year.

"Tyndall needs to reduce energy intensity by three percent per year. Two percent will come from our investment in efficient technologies and one percent will come from your actions," said Mr. Caldwell.

Although the installation is graded annually on progress toward reduction goals, the main objective is to reduce energy intensity by 30 percent (compared to a 2003 baseline) by 2015. "We need to remain focused on long term energy conservation efforts and continue to consider energy in all we do," said Lt. Col. Gilpin 325th CES commander.

Tyndall invested the award into a Child Development Center playground renovation project that provides play areas specifically designed for children ranging from infants to 5 years old. The playground was designed to maximize safety while providing a fun environment for children to develop their gross motor skills and encourage learning through play. The equipment meets the latest Consumer Product and Safety Commission and Department of Defense standards.

The old CDC playground was built almost entirely on sand that often made its way into children's shoes and clothes and was tracked into the building. The renovation provides a more solid surface and artificial turf which has increased usability and minimized sand. Not only do the kids and staff greatly enjoy the new playground, but the project also provided the opportunity to level the ground to eliminate drainage and storm water issues.

"We are delighted that the energy award will enable the children at the CDC to take advantage of more play opportunities," said Major Brad Head, 325th Force Support Squadron commander. "The physical and social skills children learn on the playground are essential for their healthy development."

Currently, Tyndall is in second place for the fiscal year 2012 Energy Incentive award, but increased effort will be required to reach the target of first place in AETC. There are opportunities every day to conserve energy.

Some ways to accomplish that goal include turning off lights, fans and equipment when not in use. Report all problems, to the unit facility manger, that are beyond self-correction. For more information, contact Mr. Jon Caldwell at (850) 283-9197.