Air Force invests in high-efficiency lighting Published Oct. 18, 2012 By Jennifer Elmore AFCEC Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Solid-state lighting technology has the potential to reduce U.S. lighting energy usage by nearly one half and contribute significantly to our nation's climate change solutions, according to the Department of Energy. That's why the Air Force has a plan to replace all outdoor lighting with SSL, which includes light emitting diodes or LEDs, where economically feasible over the next decade. Major commands and bases have implemented a variety of lighting and technology upgrades over the years. In fiscal 2012, the Air Force invested $9 million to purchase and install LEDs and other high-efficient light, or HEL, fixtures. HEL includes LEDs and induction lighting. New lighting policy "The Air Force is committed to reducing its energy use and total energy expenditures," Air Force Assistant Secretary for Installations, Environment and Logistics Terry Yonkers, wrote in a July 2012 memorandum. "Air Force installations will strive to achieve 100-percent HEL in parking areas and along roadways within 10 years." The initial goal is to install 10 percent by July 2013. Yonkers said installations should implement this guidance for all major renovations and new construction of parking lots, roadways and facilities requiring exterior lighting. Solar powered fixtures may be used for exterior applications where economically viable. The memo also encouraged the use of energy savings performance contracts and other third-party financing to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability. Success stories Air Force Space Command began researching LEDs in 2007 with preliminary testing of several exterior fixture types and sizes at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. and Peterson AFB, Colo. The pilot study, approved by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center at Tyndall AFB, Fla., revealed a greater than 50 percent reduction in energy usage as compared to high intensity discharge lamps. In August 2012, AFSPC awarded a $6.4 million contract for 6,367 fixtures at 15 installations. The project will save an estimated $18.8 million reduction over the 25-year lifetime of the fixtures. There are HEL initiatives across the Air Force. For example, Air Education and Training Command recently replaced 3,171 taxiway lights with LEDs at Lackland, Vance, Sheppard and Laughlin AFBs, Texas; Altus AFB, Okla.; and Tyndall which will save an estimated $80,151 annually. AETC also plans to replace 4,000 street, parking and general purpose lights at Sheppard and lights inside nine high-bay buildings at Randolph AFB, Texas. The Randolph project replaces HID lights with T-5 high output lights. Air Combat Command is refining inventory analysis and life-cycle cost savings for command wide replacement of exterior street and parking lot fixtures with HEL fixtures. Early analysis shows induction lighting fixtures could equal or exceed the savings of LED lighting fixtures at some installations. Way Ahead AFCEC, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, will issue implementation guidance and develop an exterior HEL program in early 2013 to comply with Yonkers' memorandum. AFCEC oversees appropriated energy funds, the third-party finance program, and is home to subject matter experts who ensure technical compliance and maintainability. The AFCEC Energy Directorate at Tyndall plans to investigate the use of organic light-emitting diodes and addressable lighting in the future.