Cool roof program to save Luke money

  • Published
  • By Airman David Owsianka
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  With air conditioning use a major component of Luke Air Force Base's $4 million electric bill, the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron cool roof program will soon offer Luke another way to save money.

When a person steps outside here in the summer months the heat of the Sonoran Desert can be shocking. The temperatures can reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit in shaded areas, with building exteriors reaching 170 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, air conditioners operate near maximum capacity to help personnel remain comfortable and productive.

In the next 12 months, Luke AFB intends to reduce air conditioning costs through a cool roof painting program that will reduce the heat that enters buildings.

"I first became involved with cool roof designs when I worked in the Philippines converting the Subic Bay Naval facilities to commercial properties," said Michael Eberbach, 56th CES resource efficiency manager.

"When I became the base energy manager at Lackland Air Force Base in 2001, there were issues with high temperatures of the architecturally approved roofs," Mr. Eberbach said. "Since then, the EnergyStar has established programs for cool roofs. The cool roof rating council provides states with assistance to develop codes and standards."

The program identifies buildings based on energy use, age, and roof design and sun orientation.

Applying the special paint to existing structures is an economical approach to reduce the heat load. Most cool roof paints either insulate the roof from thermal heat or reflect heat away from the roof.

There are 14 facilities at Luke identified to benefit from the program. These buildings have dark metal deck roofs that reach high temperatures. When combined with poor performing insulation and ventilation, a significant amount of heat is introduced causing significant energy costs.

"From these facilities alone, we plan to save about $150,000 per year," Mr. Eberbach said.

Although most cool roof paints are light in color, new clear coat paints are being introduced into the commercial market, which is ideal for covering brick or stucco. The cool roof coatings proposed for Luke are designed to reflect and insulate nonvisible infrared heat to minimize potential glare.

Insulate paints use temperature resistant components often with trapped air pockets to restrict heat from entering. Radiant barrier paints primarily use ceramic materials to reflect infrared heat from sunlight.

"It's a great idea," said Robert Worley, 56th CES Asset Management Flight chief. "We are going to save almost six million kilowatt hours per year. Ultimately our goal is to save 3 percent of electrical use per year."

This is only one part of envelope energy efficiency, according to Mr. Eberbach.

"We are also upgrading insulation, adding vents and fans," he said. "It's important to find the right balance between cost and energy savings."