Fish and Wildlife Service

Energy and Water Conservation

Energy Check Sheet

August 11, 2003 Update

ENERGY and WATER CONSERVATION

Overview
Although the Service is recognized as a Federal energy leader, we can do more to conserve
energy and be good environmental stewards.
While the conditions that created the energy shortages and rolling blackouts in California and
other States in the summer of 2001 abated in 2002, the Service must continue to implement
energy reduction strategies. In FY
2002, the Service spent $8.6 million
It is imperative that America increase its energy
for energy in over 6 million energyindependence...
using square feet of buildings,
Excerpt from the President's
processes, aviation gasoline and jet
Statement (April 25, 2002)
fuel. Energy consumption in Service
buildings in FY 2002 decreased
approximately 50 percent from the 1985 base year, which exceeds the FY 2003 goal of -25
percent. However, total energy use and costs increased by approximately 5 percent from
the previous year. Looking good on paper is not enough; reducing energy costs will free up
funds for resource management projects.
The Service must incorporate energy efficiency in the planning, design, construction, and
ongoing maintenance of buildings. In FY 2002, a total of 43 energy projects were completed at
a total cost of $767,024.
Consider the management of energy as part of the field stations overall Environmental
Management System (EMS). Consider the following steps in the process:
Contact The Regional Energy Manager First. Managers can provide:
Technical assistance in conducting audits.
Information on project financing and partnering opportunities and coordination in
Service-wide energy conservation initiatives.
Look at the past Annual Energy Report:
Energy use and costs, breaking out building and equipment use and fuel types when
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possible;
Water use gallons and costs, breaking out use by building and operation when possible.

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Conduct the energy walk-through:

Identify energy and water-using equipment and practices.
Check energy efficiency ratings, water conservation ratings, and how buildings and
equipment are operated and maintained.
Determine whether the local utility may conduct an energy audit as a public service.
Identify Energy Conservation Opportunities. Use the checklist to identify energy and
water use reduction options, including equipment and operational changes.
Identify less glamorous, no-capital operational changes such as:
Tuning up and maintaining equipment so that they operate more efficiently.
Adjusting thermostat settings, reducing unnecessary lighting, caulking windows and
doors, educating employees (e.g., using the stairs instead of elevators).
Fixing plumbing and equipment leaks and making sure water is not left on
unnecessarily.
Use a systems approach when developing recommendations, since some projects can
generate secondary effects, such as:
Switching to energy-efficient lighting may reduce cooling loads in a building;
Switching to water-conserving faucets (using flow restrictors) and showerheads may
reduce water heating requirements and heating costs.
Use of renewable and alternative fuel energy sources that are environmentally
preferable may not be economically feasible.
Energy Saving Tips.
Building Envelope. Invisible leaks that allow heat to escape can lead to higher utility
bills.
Space Heating and Cooling. Boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, and evaporative coolers
could be energy guzzlers if not properly maintained.
Equipment, Computers, and Appliances. Electronic equipment and some power tools
constantly drain away electricity even when they appear to be off.
Fish Hatcheries. Due to their substantial energy use, fish hatcheries are significantly
affected by energy rate increases.
Recommendations. Energy and water conservation measures recommended should
address:
What can be done?
Why should it be done?

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How much will it cost?

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What is the annual savings resulting from the recommendation?

What is the break even point between annual savings and the improvement cost?
When should it be done?
How will it be funded?

The ENERGY STAR Approach. A 4-step ENERGY STAR approach to

the Environmental Management Plan the best way to save energy, which
will be applied here. Energy Conservation Opportunities are listed in
order of simple payback, as much as possible. Decreasing heating,
cooling, and electrical loads saves energy by reducing the demand on
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Lighting: Installing energy-efficient lighting systems and controls that improve light
quality and reduce heat gain is the biggest single energy savings action you can take!
Building Tune-up: Examine building equipment, systems, and operation and
maintenance procedures. A study done by Texas A&M indicated that 80% of the energy
savings are from building tune-ups.
Supplemental Load Reductions: Purchase ENERGY STAR equipment, install window
films, add insulation, etc., to reduce energy consumption.
Heating And Cooling System (HVAC) Upgrades: Replace chillers, retrofit or install
energy-efficient equipment to meet the buildings reduced cooling loads, upgrade
boilers and other systems to energy-efficient standards.
The Energy Walkthrough. The following checklist is for your use in doing an energy
walkthrough to identify Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) as part of an EMS survey.
The results of these audits are intended to be used as a guide to implement feasible and
practical energy efficiency measures. Some key records to review, features to inspect and
persons to contact during this process are listed in the table below. For additional ideas,
please contact your Regional Energy Manager.

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The Checklist
Preliminary Questions
Has the field station contacted the Regional Energy Manager to discuss potential energy
efficiency and conservation projects/actions?
Has the field station taken steps to educate staff on energy efficiency practices such as
turning off lights, keeping windows and doors closed, etc?
Has an energy audit,SAVEnergy Survey, or renewable energy opportunity assessment
been performed at the facility? G Yes
G No If so, when?
Have Have maintenance schedules and standards been developed to include energy
efficiency?
If the Region has an energy web page, have you referred to it?
Lighting
One of the most overlooked energy-saving opportunities is the light switch. Lighting accounts
for 30-50% of building energy use. This is the biggest single energy savings action you can
take! Lighting retrofits have a 3-5 year payback, depending on electricity rates. Payback in
Alaska @ 12/kWh = 1 year, in Washington @ 2/kWh = 10 years.
Proper illumination levels depend on the type of work being performed, and on occupant
preference. Recommended illuminance levels for offices range from 30 to 60 foot-candles (fc),
but the quality of the visual environment can have a substantial impact on the "appropriate"
amount of illumination. In well-designed office spaces, with light-colored surfaces, appropriate
task lighting, and careful placement of lights and furniture to avoid glare and shadows, much
lower illuminance levels are acceptable, and usually even preferred.
Turn off lights when leaving a room or when out of the office -- even for short periods!
Post a small sign near or on each light switch that identifies which lights are controlled by
the switch. This enables users to be more selective while also reducing trial-and-error
lighting that can consume energy as banks of lights are quickly activated and deactivated.

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Repair existing fluorescent light fixtures/bulbs. Operating fixtures with burned out light
bulbs wastes energy consumed by the light ballast.
Place reminder notes or decals on light switches to promote awareness. Notes such as
Turn Lights Off to Save Energy on switches are estimated to be about 15 % effective.
Turn on task lights -- turn off general and overhead lights.
Clean fixtures, walls, and windows to increase lighting levels.
Remove excess light bulbs from works spaces, offices, and hallways, provided that lighting
requirements are not compromised.
Instead of moving luminaries (electric lighting fixtures used within a room), move desks
and other work surfaces to a position and orientation that will use installed luminaires and
daylighting to their greatest advantage.
Correct light levels: Reduce library/office lighting level to 50 fc at desk level. This is
lighting level recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society.
Install/rewire switches to light smaller work areas separately (e.g., individual cubicles).
ECM: Replace fluorescent and incandescent exit lights with light-emitting diode (LED)
exit lights.
ECM: Install motion detector light switches (occupancy sensors) in
restrooms, storerooms, offices, etc. Dual technologies are recommended
(i.e., infrared and sonic). NOTE: Occupancy sensors must be properly
placed and the timing/use must be set (5 minutes, 20 minutes, whatever).
Payback = 1-25 years. ENERGY STAR data indicates a simple payback of
3.4 years vs. 2.5 years for a central timeclock. Set occupancy sensors to
manual-on/automatic-off. These settings avoid unneeded turn-ons.
ECM: Provide a light sensor to turn outside walkway lights off during daylight hours.
Eliminate exterior lighting except for identifying building entrances or for security.
ECM: Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent TCP
spring lamps, which are the most commonly requested. Compact fluorescent lamps save
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energy, reduce air pollution, are 3 times more efficient than incandescent bulbs, and realize
a 37 percent annual return on investment. The Defense Logistics Agency can assist in
procuring high quality products at low cost.
For additional help, go to
www.dscp.dla.mil/gi/general or call: (800) DLA-BULB. GSAs Federal Supply Schedules
71 II E and 72 II are for lighting technologies such as lamps, track lighting, shades, etc., and
Supply Schedule 539 is for light bulbs.
ECM: Replace and recycle ( www.grn.com ) inefficient T-12 fluorescent ceiling lights and
magnetic ballasts with energy-efficient T-8's and compatible electronic ballasts when light
ballasts need replacing. This task can be completed with existing maintenance funds
and will not need supplemental funds. In addition, T-8 light fixtures with electronic
ballasts produce more light than T-12 light bulbs. Electronic ballasts use of the
energy than magnetic ballasts! Patuxent Research Refuges Gabrielson Hall in Maryland
saved energy by using this Energy Star lighting technology.
While youre at it, reduce one lamp/fixture. Replace 4 lamps with 3. Replace 3 lamps
with 2. Replace 2 lamps with 1.
Disconnect old ballasts as well as tubes in old fluorescent fixtures.
Recycle all of the old light bulb stock, because it probably uses more power to keep it.

If you do not recycle light bulbs, use ecological fluorescent tubes (green tips). This
recommendation is based on an analysis of environmental liabilities and disposal
costs, in accordance with Executive Order 13148.

If you recycle light bulbs, ecological fluorescent tubes (green tips) may not save
energy after all. Lower mercury tubes have approximately the life. Recycling
costs the same. So were paying twice as much for the tube, they last half as long,
and it costs the same to recycle!

ECM: Investigate the feasibility of increasing daylighting in buildings with skylights and
clerestories (a passive solar energy feature).
Paint walls lighter colors to increase light levels.
Consider changing to more efficient quartz halogen lights outdoors, unless the fixture is not
there. In that case, use high-pressure sodium or metal halide lights. NOTE: Compact
fluorescent lights do not work well outside because it is too cold.

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Equipment, Computers, and Appliances

Electronic equipment and some power tools
constantly drain away electricity even when they
appear to be off.
Turn off printers, copiers, computers, and monitors when idle for periods of 1 hour or more.
This is a big cost cutter. Up to $31 a year for a 19-inch monitor may be saved.
Shut off coffee pots, radios, fans, refrigerators, and other appliances when
not in use.
Activate ENERGY STAR power saver and sleep features.
Appliances such as televisions, computers, VCRs, printers, microwave ovens, displays,
cordless phones, and cell phone chargers with remote controls, external power supplies,
continuous digital displays, or rechargeable batteries use standby power. These types of
equipment are commonly called vampires and continue to consume a small amount of
power when not in use. When multiplied by the billions of devices that use standby power,
this power consumption becomes significant. Service employees should turn off all unused
office machines (desktop computers, copiers, etc.) before leaving the office at night.
Servers should remain on as appropriate. Note that some equipment in standby mode
appears to be off but is operating at a reduced power level. This measure is temporary until
new products are widely available that reduce standby power use without diminishing
features or services. In addition, purchase products that use a maximum of one watt of
standby power, or with the lowest standby power wattage available. NOTE: Emergency
generators or other emergency power systems are not standby power devices.
Are fuses overloaded and blowing from lab equipment? (A safety concern.) Install a
ground-fault interrupter to prevent this.
ECM: Purchase only computer equipment and appliances that feature the ENERGY STAR
EnergyGuide label. More information about ENERGY STAR approved products is at
www.energystar.gov
Have vendors install vending miser units @ $178.00 on all vending machines. A study at
NCTC in February 2003 concluded the payback period < 2 years. The government should
not be subsidizing vending machines. www.bayviewtech.com
NOTE: The Service purchases energy-efficient appliances (especially microwave ovens and
refrigerators) for its offices and promotes purchase of energy-efficient items on the GSA

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schedule and through the Javits Wagner ODay (JWOD) Program, which aggressively
incorporate energy-efficient items into their product lines. (The JWOD Program provides
employment opportunities for thousands of people with severe disabilities to earn good wages
and move to greater independence.) See www.gsaadvantage.gov
Building Tune-up
Develop maintenance standards and schedules that include operational efficiency in
addition to the standard maintenance to prolong equipment life.
On larger buildings, schedule maintenance and janitorial tasks during daylight hours.
Heating. As much as 44% of your utility bill may go for heating and cooling. Implementation
of these energy conservation measures may result in significant energy and cost savings.
Change air filters regularly and tune up heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems, following manufacturers suggested guidelines to optimize performance.
Shut off (or remove) heating units from vestibules, lobbies, and corridors.
Ensure that plants, books, or furnishings do not block warm-air registers, baseboard heaters,
and radiators.
Do not heat storerooms unless heat is for protection of stored contents.
Heat vestibules, storerooms, and lobbies to a minimum temperature.
Install paddle fans to help de-stratify warm air in high ceiling rooms.
Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and the radiators.
Do not heat parking garages (it is doubtful that there are many of these at Department of the
Interior facilities).
Change the spring, fall, and winter day-night time clock setting to operate heating
equipment fewer hours of the day cycle.
Install programmable thermostats.

Programmable thermostats must be programmed!

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BEST PAYBACK. (payback = 2-7 years).

Relocate thermostats in offices from behind bookcases to a location above the light
switch.
Relocate thermostats from the bays to the Service area in the garage.
Adjust thermostats to an initial target of 72 degrees in the winter and 76 in the summer, as
reasonable and customary for the location. NOTE: A 1% savings is attained per 1oF set
point adjustment for each 8 hours of heating, and a 2% savings is attained per 1oF set point
adjustment for each 8 hours of cooling.

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Set HVAC thermostats for "Occupied-Unoccupied" cycles: Unoccupied cycles should

provide for maintaining the building at a reduced temperature and allow only outside air as
required for combustion or continuous exhaust fans.
The air conditioning unit may be cycled on by a separate "night" thermostat to maintain
a reduced space temperature of 55 oF. (This ECM is recommended despite marginal
payback because of its impact on occupant comfort and the overall efficiency of the
heating system.)
During the unoccupied cycle, the following equipment should be turned off:

general exhaust fans (including lavatories),

outside air supply,
air handling units (except as required for heating).

In HVAC systems:
Slow fan speeds down to speed. This is the big energy saver. At speed, the fan is
using 1/8 of the horsepower.
In dual duct systems:

Lower hot deck temperatures to the point where that will just satisfy the system;
Raise cold deck temperatures to the highest that will still give acceptable humidity
control.
In Variable Air Volume (VAV) systems, provide control to reset the supply air
temperature to a point where the damper of the VAV box serving the zone with the
most extreme load is fully open.

Hot Water Heaters. Hot water heaters can be big energy guzzlers.
Maintain hot water heaters following manufacturers suggested guidelines to optimize
performance.
Set water temperatures in hot water heaters to as low as possible (e.g., 110 degrees).
Turn off hot water heaters in the off-season or when not in use for more than two weeks.

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Cooling.
Changing the air conditioning filter every 5 years will increase compressor life.
Use venetian blinds or draperies as interior shading devices to assist in control of heat gain
and loss in office space. (A passive solar energy feature.) For example, keep blinds or
draperies closed during the day in the summer.
Consult with the manufacturer to determine if cooling equipment can be shut down when
outside temperatures are below certain levels, depending on the type of air conditioning
equipment used.
Do not cool building when it is unoccupied except to the degree needed to prevent damage
to internal contents.
Set controls to pre-cool spaces at off-peak times. NOTE: Schedule pre-cooling startup in
the morning in accordance with outdoor temperatures so that the building interior will be at
78oF when occupants arrive.
Then adjust thermostats to an initial target of 72 degrees in the winter and 76 in the
summer, as reasonable and customary for the location. NOTE: A 1% savings is attained
per 1oF set point adjustment for each 8 hours of heating, and a 2% savings is attained per
1oF set point adjustment for each 8 hours of cooling.
Chill water at night off-peak if a chiller is used.
Where multiple pumps (e.g., chilled water pumps and condenser water pumps) are installed
in parallel, operate only those pumps needed to maintain sufficient air conditioning flow
volume.
Attempt peak shaving by turning off chillers/air conditioners periodically during peak
summer hours, in conjunction with an educational campaign.
Ventilation.
Ensure that plants, books, or furnishings do not block vent grills.
Do not close the vents if you are using a heat pump. Closing the vents could damage it.

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Keep interior doors closed between areas where heating and cooling is highly regulated
(e.g., offices and warehouse areas).
Seal air leaks with caulk and weather stripping around windows and doors.
Replace broken windows.
Seal leaky ducts and pipes for maximum efficiency.
Clean exhaust fans in rest rooms, laundry rooms and lounges, weatherstrip dampers, and
operate properly.
Clean unit ventilators in lobbies and lounges, weatherstrip dampers, and operate properly.
Wire the rest room exhaust fan to the light switch.
Install timeclocks to shut off ventilation fans throughout the workday and off-hours. Air
handling units do not need to run 24/7!
Adjust the time clock day-night settings to operate ventilation units fewer hours or at lower
speeds during lesser occupied times.
Open outside air dampers only when the building is occupied. In addition, consider
shutting off the air handling units on normal heating days 15 minutes before the occupants
leave.
In the summer when the outdoor temperature at night is lower than the indoor temperature,
use full outdoor air ventilation to remove excess heat and pre-cool the building to reduce
the air conditioning load.
In the summer, increase the ventilation units mixed air temperature to minimize the air
conditioning and reheat requirements.
Post a small sign next to each operable window instructing occupants not to open the
window while the building is being heated or cooled.
Place a small sign next to each door leading to the outside or to unconditioned spaces
advising occupants to keep the door closed at all times when not in use.

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Establish a ventilation operation schedule so that the exhaust system operates only when it
is needed. Typical fans can exhaust a houseful of air in just one hour. Turn fans off as soon
as they have done their job.
Readjust the outdoor air to the minimum required to balance the exhaust and maintain a
slight positive pressure to retard infiltration-caused losses and heat gains, in accordance
with manufacturers instructions.
Increase ventilation to at least 300 cfm in laboratories when occupied.
Boilers. Boilers are huge energy wasters if not operated and tuned properly. However, most
Service field stations do not have boilers, so they are presented in this separate section.
If boilers are used, calibrate gauges, optimize air-to-fuel mixture, treat feed water
appropriately, and install boiler set point resets for outside air.
Inspect boilers and furnaces annually.
In boilers, set the hot water temperature as low as practical. Provide a reset controller to
maintain heating water supply temperature at 140 oF when outside air is 60 oF, and reset to
200 oF when outside air is 0 oF.
If the building has two boilers, leave one of the two boilers off during most of the winter
heating season and perhaps during the entire season if the other boiler is capable of carrying
the entire load under design conditions. A single boiler carrying the building space heating
load will operate at a higher annual efficiency than two boilers dividing the load. You
should, however, periodically test and run the other boiler sufficiently to ensure it is ready
for full operation if necessary.
Consider elimination of a hot standby boiler since, in many cases, a down boiler will not
cause serious hardship.
Lower steam pressure to the minimum pressure that will satisfy needs.
Reduce amount of fresh air admitted to the boiler room in the winter. (Do not choke
boilers.)
Shut down boilers and turn pilot lights off in summer. Be sure to turn off the boiler natural
gas standing pilot during the summer months when the boiler is off!

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If two boilers are available, use one if possible.

If high and low fire are available, use low fire if possible:
Adjust the boiler so that during the spring and fall, the boiler will come on line at low
fire and stay on low fire until the heating requirement is satisfied. The boiler will cycle
less often and maintain a higher overall annual efficiency with this procedure.
Decrease the fuel input rate so that the boiler will operate over longer periods of time at
the low fire limit, thus decreasing off-cycle losses.
Extend the boiler stack higher to prevent intake of exhaust with outside air (safety concern).
ECM: Add an induced draft fan at the boiler stack.
Check combustion dampers for proper operation.
Clean steam traps yearly.
Inspect zone shut-off valves. All should be operable so steam going into unoccupied spaces
can be shut off. Shut off steam going into unoccupied spaces.
Keep a daily log of pressure, temperature, and other data from instrumentation. This is the
best method available to determine the need for tube and nozzle cleaning, pressure or
linkage adjustments, and related measures. Variations from normal can be spotted quickly,
enabling immediate action to avoid serious trouble. On an oil-fired unit, indications of
problems include an oil pressure drop, which may indicate a plugged strainer, faulty
regulator valve, or an air leak in the suction line. An oil temperature drop can indicate
temperature control malfunction or a fouled heating element. On a gas-fired unit, a drop in
gas pressure can indicate a drop in the gas supply pressure or a malfunctioning regulator.
Note the firing rate when log entries are made. (A sharp rise in stack temperature does not
necessarily mean poor combustion or fouled waterside or fireside. During load change,
stack temperatures can very as much as 100 oF in 5 minutes.)
Straighten out as much as possible 90o bends in the chimney from the furnace flue to the
stack to reduce soot deposition (a maintenance item).

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Supplemental Load Reductions

NOTE: Very seldom do windows and side insulation pay back in 10 years or less if it takes too
much labor to install.
Add insulation in attics and crawl spaces. Install new blanket insulation (R-19) above
suspended ceilings.
Install roof insulation (R-30). The last of the possible good paybacks as a retrofit (payback
= 9-16 years).
Insulate cinderblock walls with insulated panels nailed to existing walls. Wall insulation is
not as good a payback as roof insulation as a retrofit. Payback = 13-20 years.
ECM: Replace single-pane windows with double-pane, low-E energy-efficient windows.
NOTE: Most energy goes out through the roof. Payback = 15-25 years, as a retrofit.
ECM: Install storm windows and storm doors.
Wrap hot water heaters with insulation jackets.
Install controls (time clock and power relay) to shut off electric water heater during unoccupied times.
Insulate hot water piping to cut convective heat loss.
Insulate ducts.
Insulate and weather-protect rooftop units.
Install unit heaters motion sensor plug-in strips and individual thermostats in low
occupancy areas. This reduces the fire hazard and works when needed.
ECM: Is there an outside air intake on the rooftop air conditioning unit? Install a manual
damper interlocked with a fan to provide outside make-up (ventilation air) in the summer.
Shade walls with awnings, overhangs, and sun shades (passive solar energy features).

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Paint roofs white or provide highly reflective surfaces and colors for walls and roofs with a
primary cooling load (a passive solar energy feature). NOTE: Cool roofs (white roofs) are
not as good a payback as roof insulation because of the air gap.
ECM: Evaluate the feasibility of using solar mats to heat water at fish hatcheries.
ECM: Install thermal window film if cost-effective. Window films generally have good
paybacks, but must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Landscape grounds to add shade and windbreaks (a passive solar design feature). In
addition, consider minimizing site clearance and planting native plant species that may
require less irrigation requirements.
Fan Systems Upgrades
ECM: Properly size fan systems, adding variable speed drives.
ECM: Install a low leakage outside air damper, exhaust fan and controls to use outside air
for cooling during changeover seasons (spring and fall).
Electric Motors
ECM: Replace older, inefficient motors with new, high efficient motors.
ECM: Install variable speed drives and appropriate controls on large motors, which may
vary by type such as pumps, or volume such as air flows, etc. Constant volume pumps
waste energy.
Heating And Cooling System Upgrades
The efficiency of room air conditioners is measured by the energy efficiency rating (EER),
which is the ratio of the cooling output (in Btu) divided by the power consumption (in watthours). A typical new room air conditioner has an EER of about 10, and to qualify for an
ENERGY STAR label requires a EER of 11 or higher.
Central air conditioners and heat pumps operating in the cooling mode are rated according to
their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which is the seasonal cooling output (in Btu)
divided by the seasonal energy input in watt hours for an average U.S. climate. Many older
central air conditioners have SEER ratings of only 6 or 7. The average central air conditioner

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sold in 1998 had a SEER of about 11. Qualifying for an ENERGY STAR label requires a SEER
of 13 or higher.
Central air conditioners are usually more efficient than room air conditioners, and in general,
large capacity air conditioners have higher efficiency (provided you are not buying a larger
system than is needed just because it has high efficiency).
The Air Conditioning and
Refrigeration Institute is www.acri.org
ECM: Upgrade HVAC equipment to more efficient models with high energy-efficiency
(EER) ratios. Specify non-ozone-depleting substances. Properly size HVAC equipment to
meet loads.
Install hot water heaters as close as possible to the point of use to reduce piping heat loss.
ECM: Replace existing equipment with energy-efficient hot water heaters with the
ENERGY STAR label. Ensure that new hot water heaters are properly sized. Tank-less or
on-demand hot water heaters eliminate standby heat loss and are convenient for remote
locations. (Note: These units may not be efficient in high use situations)
ECM: Replace old ground-level fan coil heating units with new energy-efficient ones hung
from the ceiling.
ECM: Specify water and energy efficient ENERGY STAR air conditioning and heating
systems when retrofitting or replacing equipment. Use recycling systems if evaporative
cooling towers are used. Note:
Air-cooled equipment is less efficient than water-cooled systems (chillers), despite the
water treatment required.
Centrifugal chiller with variable speed drives improves part load performance.
Reduced condenser water temperature greatly improves chiller efficiency and capacity.
ECM: Dual duct HVAC systems can waste energy. Preferably, change dual duct systems
to VAV systems by adding VAV boxes and fan control.
ECM: In large high-bay buildings, such as aircraft hangars, install Co-Ray-Vac infrared
(radiant) heaters. Demonstrated at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.
ECM: At fish hatcheries, it is often practice to heat the entire hatchery building for only a

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few employees working. The cold water used in the trays and tanks reduces the inside air
temperature significantly, which requires huge amounts of energy to compensate for this
heat loss and heat the building. As such, install Co-Ray-Vac infrared (radiant) heaters over
work areas. This ECM has a very short payback and a tremendous potential for
energy savings.
Fuel Switching
Consider switching to other fuel types to reduce costs and minimize use of petroleum-based
fuels. The Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Montana, converted from fuel oil to natural
gas. In the summer of 2002, the Litchfield Wetlands Management District, Minnesota,
converted from electric to propane heating. Both resulted in an annual energy savings.
ECM: Consider natural gas driven engines and adsorption cooling systems, cooling wer
supplements to geothermal heat pump systems, and evaporative cooling units as possible
energy-efficient alternative cooling technologies.
Energy Management Systems
On very large buildings or building complexes, investigate the feasibility of installing an
Energy Management System. EMSs generally do not pay for themselves through energy
savings only, but by lower maintenance but only if they are used properly. (Payback = 6 15 years).
Renewable Energy
As of January 23, 2003, 82 Service field stations
have renewable energy systems (solar, wind,
geothermal).
ECM: Replace fan coil heating units with geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps, or if
this is not feasible, with conventional (air-source) heat pumps. NOTE: air-source heat
pumps are only efficient in the 35 - 90 degree range. Else, replace conventional heat
pumps or forced-air electric heating systems with geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps,
www.geoexchange.org
and fill the tubes with non-toxic Enviro-Kool tm fluid
www.cwichem.com
ECM: Install solar outdoor lighting ( www.solarlighting.com ), or photovoltaic panels in
remote areas or for remote applications ( www.eren.doe.gov/pv ).

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Fish and Wildlife Service

Energy and Water Conservation

Energy Check Sheet

August 11, 2003 Update

ECM: Consider renewable energy technologies to provide all or a portion of total heating
requirements. Technologies that have been successful at Interior facilities include solar
panels for domestic water heating and building heating.
Wood
Some field stations heat their buildings with wood
fireplaces or furnaces.
ECM: If a fireplace is needed in a historic structure or other reason, replace the
conventional wood burning fireplace with a forced-air wood burning stove, or one that
burns pellets.
Sweep chimneys annually (a safety and maintenance item).

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Fish and Wildlife Service

Energy and Water Conservation

Energy Check Sheet

August 11, 2003 Update

A Note About Advanced Energy Technologies

Advanced energy technologies include microturbines and fuel cells. Microturbines experience
too many development and maintenance problems (per experience at Fort Drum, New York).
Fuel cell technology will not be economical until about 2010.
Utilities. The utility is your friend and may be able to assist the field station.
Does the field station have a copy of the document, "Demand Side Energy Management
Guidelines" (August 1993)?
Contact the local utility and request a free energy audit.
Determine if rebates are available and use them to supplement station maintenance funds to
complete energy and water saving projects.
Maintenance Management System.
There is little benefit in installing advanced or
renewable energy technologies in energy-inefficient buildings. Unless energy-related deferred
maintenance projects are included in the MMS, they will not be funded.
Ensure that energy-related MMS projects are included on the MMS backlog list and are
coded properly (e.g., lighting, insulation, air infiltration control, and windows).
Drive Green. Not only do vehicles pollute, but driving green and increasing the mpg will
reduce our imports of foreign oil.
NOTE: Refer to the new web site for alternative fueling sites and vehicles at:
http://sii.fws.gov/r9cgs/altfuel.htm . It contains a list of Service field stations with more
than 5 vehicles and the addresses of any alternative fueling sites within 10 miles.
Another list has the distances from these stations to the nearest ethanol (E-85 or ethyl
alcohol), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG or methane), and Liquefied Petroleum Gas
(LPG or propane). The site also has hypertext links to all available alternative fuel sites
and vehicles, Executive Orders, and Federal literature.
Combine trips in vehicles and make fewer vehicle runs per week.
Follow recommended vehicle maintenance practices (e.g., tune-ups, tire inflation).

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Fish and Wildlife Service

Energy and Water Conservation

Energy Check Sheet

August 11, 2003 Update

Dont let the engine idle for excessive periods.

When upgrading vehicles, select the minimum size suitable for necessary tasks, or consider
purchase of an Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV). Employees do not always need to use the
4x4 vehicle to go to town on paved roads! Currently, the Service has 35 AFV's and four
electric trams for visitor wildlife tours.
Consider acquisition of hybrid vehicles.
Reduce gasoline fuel use in vehicles by purchasing biofuels.
Practice car pooling. (In some cases, free parking is provided for car pools.)
Management Tools. A palette of management tools may be used increase energy awareness.
Include energy efficiency in the position descriptions and performance evaluation criteria of
maintenance managers.
Hold office contests for energy savings ideas, actions, etc.
Create a display of energy conservation posters and energy-efficient lights and what your
facility is doing to save energy. Include a chart of building energy use reductions.
Note water conservation measures in bathrooms to educate the public and staff.
Project Leaders should consider giving time-off awards to energy champion employees
who implement energy efficiency projects, if this is allowable.
Water Conservation Measures.
Conduct a leak survey to identify and fix leaks in plumbing and water conveyance systems.
Replace existing bathroom fixtures with ultra-low flush 1.6 gallon toilets, low-flow 2.5 gpm
showerheads, faucet aerators and in-line flow restrictors, etc., to reduce water consumption.
NOTE: Do not put a brick in the toilet -- they dissolve and can cause maintenance
problems.
Install electronic controls for faucets, toilets and urinals, as applicable. Set value times as
low as possible without compromising performance.

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Fish and Wildlife Service

Energy and Water Conservation

Energy Check Sheet

August 11, 2003 Update

Replace vertical model washing machines with water and energy efficient horizontal axis
clothes washing machines, if feasible.
Use recycled (closed loop) cleaning systems for vehicle washing.
Operate clothes and dish washers only with full loads.
Broom-sweep driveways and walkways rather than using a hose. If a hose must be used,
use a high-pressure nozzle with a shut off valve.
Use reclaimed water or runoff from surfaces or roofs for landscape irrigation, where
feasible and appropriate.
Install composting toilets, where appropriate.
Restrict irrigation to mornings (and if necessary evenings and nighttime) to decrease water
loss from evaporation. Water only when needed and avoid using sprinklers - they waste
water through evaporation. Use soaker hoses that sweat water directly into the soil and
have less evaporative loss. If using a sprinkler, ensure that the water is distributed only on
the area requiring watering.
Employ xeriscape landscaping techniques to save water.
Install rain and fog drip irrigation systems.
Billing. Are you paying the right amount?
State and local taxes should not be paid.
Is the bill the correct bill for the facility?
Reporting. The Service reports energy consumption data annually, in accordance with the
Energy Policy Act of 1992 and Executive Order 13123, Greening the Government Through
Efficient Energy Management.
Are field station personnel clear as to why energy consumption is reported? Energy data
are used by the Service Energy Coordinator to prepare the Annual Energy Report to the

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Fish and Wildlife Service

Energy and Water Conservation

Energy Check Sheet

August 11, 2003 Update

Department of the Interior and the Department of Energy, evaluate candidates for energy
SAVEnergy audits and renewable energy evaluations, evaluate energy projects for
alternative funding, prepare OMB Exhibit 55 for the Budget Estimates, and respond to
numerous requests for information throughout the year from the Department and the
Department of Energy.
Has the station provided an annual energy report via the web-enabled database:
refuges.rmis.fws.gov ?
Has the station included information about all attempted or completed projects or
initiatives?
Has the station updated the Facility Energy Strategic Plan, which is located on the
refuges.rmis.fws.gov web page?
NOTE: A rule-of-thumb is, unless other accurate data are available, process energy is
estimated to be 5% for refuges and 60% for hatcheries. Energy data are modified by
Regional Energy Managers or the Service Energy Coordinator using the Energy Database if
data are unavailable, which is usually the case.
For More Information
DOI Energy And Water Conservation Pollution Prevention Plan Strategy. ( www.doi.gov/oepc
FEMP. 1-800-363-3732 (Help Line), ( www.eren.doe.gov/femp )
EPA ENERGY STAR Program. 1-888-STAR-YES (Hotline), or
( www.epa.gov/energystar.html )
Waterwise Web Site. ( www.waterwise.org )
Environmental Building News, ( www.buildinggreen.com/products )
Whole Building Design Guide, http://www.wbdg.org/

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