LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
All nine Langley dormitories received new washers and dryers in February featuring high efficiency and larger load capabilities, which means fewer trips to the laundry room
When the five-year lease for the machines expired, dorm management initiated a new contract with BBE Sales and Leasing, who in turn provided an energy cost and environmentally efficient solution.
"Part of the Air Force Energy Vision is to reduce demand through conservation and efficiency and create a culture where all Airmen make energy a consideration in all we do," said Donald White, 633d Civil Engineer Squadron energy and utility manager.
The machines are cost effective. Each washer is used about 110 times a week, and with the new HE washers, Langley will save $584 a year on electricity, natural gas and water. Collectively, the 122 washers will save Langley more than $72,000 a year, White said.
Not only are the machines cost-efficient, they are environmentally friendly. Over the next five years, Langley will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 1.4 million pounds, which is the equivalent of removing 110 cars from the road or re-planting 137 acres of forest, said White.
Dorm residents may continue to use their stock of non-HE detergent at half the amount they would normally use, said Master Sgt. Debra Berry, 633d CES unaccompanied housing superintendent; however, once the detergent is gone, Airmen are required to purchase specialized, low-foaming HE detergent.