An energy savings initiative started shortly after the AFRC Energy Policy of 2012 provided governance for every area of facility engineering to reduce energy consumption by 30% by 2015. The policy specifically addressed the use of motion sensors. With that in mind, Matt Heinsler, Mechanical Engineer, worked aggressively to install Lutron occupancy sensors for lighting, exhaust fans and more in the 350,000 square foot Niagara Air Base. Since that time, occupancy sensors have saved nearly a million kWh annually, which translates to a cost savings of $84,270. Matt also went after some energy rebate incentives with the National Grid and was authorized a rebate of $78,655 which pays their electric bill for several months. Savings from the current project will pay for the installation in 3-4 years, which translates to future benefits of $75,000 to $100,000 each year.

Overall, the occupancy sensor renovation in particular has made the base occupants much more aware of how often they wasted energy by leaving the lights on. Bathrooms, break rooms, conference rooms, and hallways are all excellent examples of spaces where lights would previously be on 12 hours a day. With the occupancy sensors, people are noticing that now when they enter these spaces, the lights are off and saving energy.