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Energy awareness is everyone's responsibility
Posted 10/15/2009 Updated 10/16/2009
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by Master Sgt. Kimberley Harrison
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs
10/15/2009 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Air Force is on track to kick off the 2010 Energy Awareness Campaign titled, "Energy Solutions...Fueling the mission," scheduled to begin in October and AFSPC is on board.
"Our [AFSPC] goal is to meet all the mandated requirements; installation of utility meters to capture usage, design projects according to the new standard which is 30% greater than the ASHRAE [American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning] standards, reduce water consumption, reduce energy usage through good quality projects that have a positive return on investment and using renewable energy where feasible," said Wayne "Fox" Theriault, AFSPC Resource Efficiency Manager.
The Air Force, said to be the largest consumer of energy in the Federal government, is focused on supporting DoD and Presidential directives for greater energy independence. AFSPC is following suit by taking a leadership role in developing energy strategies, visions, and programs to reduce energy consumption across its missions.
"Energy conservation has been an issue over several decades with various initiatives and policies being instituted," said Theriault. "In 2005, the Energy Policy Act came out mandating several energy goals and initiatives."
Since that time, the U.S. Department of Energy has been conducting energy awareness campaigns promoting the wise and efficient use of our nation's energy. Each and every individual action we take, from turning off lights in unoccupied rooms to turning off computer monitors and computers, if possible, add up to a brighter future for us all, according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Web site.
"AFSPC's energy plan is poised to reduce consumption and utility costs while increasing supply and awareness," according to Theriault.
Energy awareness and conservation is crucial to Air Force mission readiness and success because it enables the Air Force to deliver its designed capabilities at the speed of need. Energy availability supports not only the Air Force's priorities, but allows the MAJCOMs to successfully conduct their missions.
"People don't realize the benefits of conserving energy and how simple it can be to cut costs," said Timothy Pugh, AFSPC Energy and Utility Manager. "The cost savings acquired through energy conservation can be utilized in various mission areas. With every decrease in energy costs, an increase in funds for other mission-essential needs are available."
The Air Force is fully engaged in the energy reduction process and AFSPC's Energy Management office has created Facility Energy Initiatives beginning in October to be utilized all year throughout the command.
"It has been a continuous drive forward with ever-changing reduction goals and initiatives," Theriault said. "AFSPC has some of the most energy intensive installations (8 of 10) in the Air Force...our goal is to get this command trained, educated and made aware of all the energy-saving opportunities they are around every day in the workplace and in their homes."
Knowledge is power and through awareness and education, energy conservation goals can be met.
"The Air Force's Energy Plan is to 'Reduce Demand, Increase Supply, and Change the Culture.' Each element of the plan is equally important. The Air Force's energy vision is to 'Make Energy a Consideration in All We Do.' The vision is the foundation of the Energy Plan and assigns energy responsibility to all Air Force personnel, according to AFI 90-1701.
"Success can only be measured when we have buy-in from leadership, process owners and all Airmen, civilians and contractors who work on our installations," said Pugh.
Regardless of how big the problem may appear, each and every one of us is a part of the solution.
"Bottom line is energy management is everyone's responsibility!" concluded Theriault.
Editor's Note: The first energy conservation campaign came about in 1981 with American Energy Week and continued until 1985. In 1986, it became a month-long observance and on September 13, 1991, President George Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month.
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