Awareness campaign focused on Airmen

  • Published
  • By Susan Gregory
  • Kirtland AFB Resource Efficiency Manager
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  The Air Force actively participates in Energy Action Month -- a national campaign to focus attention on energy and water saving activities.

This year's theme, "I am Air Force Energy," places Airmen at the center of the campaign.

The aim is to inspire the Total Force to increase energy savings, and to help all Airmen recognize how they can contribute to the Air Force achieving its energy objectives.

"Every Airman is charged to 'make energy a consideration in all we do' and through active awareness and training programs we enforce that charge," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, the Air Force Civil Engineer. "We must take the lead in energy conservation, renewable energy utilization and energy security."

The Air Force estimates it spent more than $10 billion on energy in fiscal year 2012. Kirtland AFB spent more than $32 million last year to power its facilities alone.

Energy is a critical component of Air Force strategy and sustainability. With its extensive fleet of aircraft and millions of square feet of facility space, the Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the U.S. federal government. Considering the magnitude of energy consumed by the Air Force, any actions taken to reduce energy consumption are significant in their potential impact for reducing costs and enhancing energy security.

To optimize energy usage across mission areas, it is imperative that the Air Force creates a culture that is mindful of our energy and environmental footprint. By building a solid foundation of energy operational awareness, the Air Force will evolve into a more sustainable security force, both environmentally and strategically.

The Air Force has four primary energy goals: reduce demand; increase supply; foster an aware culture; and improve resiliency.

Using energy more efficiently can be accomplished simply by turning off lights when you leave a room, turning off equipment that is no longer in use, and ensuring your thermostats are properly set. Increasing energy supply is accomplished by developing renewable and alternative energy sources. Developing an energy-aware culture is achieved with consistent training and communication of expectations.

Finally, improved resiliency is addressed by contingency plans that will enable Kirtland AFB to manage energy under extreme circumstances, such as the below-zero temperatures that hit New Mexico during February 2011, resulting in a shortage of natural gas to heat buildings that led to facility damage.

Over the next few weeks, check the Nucleus for energy-saving tips that can apply to both work and home environments, and reports on the energy savings competition taking place among the four dormitories on base. Although October is the official Energy Action Month, our goal is for every Air Force employee -- Airman, civilian and contractor -- to incorporate energy awareness into his or her daily activities and adopt energy saving habits and work practices that will enable Kirtland AFB and the Air Force to reduce their energy consumption.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, contact the Energy Team at energycomments@kirtland.af.mil.