"Both the Federal Energy and Water Management Award we won in 2002 and 2003 and this year's Presidential Award are due to the task orders we've performed with Siemens," said Tom Denslow, Dyess Air Force Base energy manager. "Siemens has been proactive, upfront, and helpful. It's really no longer a contractor-supplier relationship. We're a team with the same goals."

Three energy services contracts with Siemens since 1999 have resulted in more than $1.3 million in energy savings for Dyess. The contract covers 300 buildings on the base, totaling more than 2.5 million square feet.

The Presidential Award for Leadership in Federal Energy Management is given annually to five federal facilities that have shown dedication and leadership in the conservation of energy. Dyess is the first air force base to win this award.

Dyess was recognized this year for installing an extensive effluent water system consisting of pipelines, storage ponds, and pumping stations. The water is less expensive, and is used for irrigation, not for drinking. The new system has saved the base over $300,000 in energy costs. It has also enabled the city of Abilene to reduce its potable water usage by 2 percent.

The energy savings is in accordance with a federal mandate that requires U.S. agencies by 2010 to use 35 percent less energy per square foot in their buildings than they did in 1985.

In 2002, Dyess was recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) for the energy savings from the HVAC upgrades Siemens performed at the base, totaling over $585,000. Twenty-three steam boilers were replaced with hot water boilers, increasing efficiency and lowering maintenance. The air conditioning was upgraded from condenser systems to chilled water systems, also increasing efficiency and reducing maintenance. Siemens also provided lighting upgrades and replaced inefficient electrical panels.

Publication date: 12/29/2003