Turn energy awareness into action Published Sept. 28, 2011 By Jennifer Elmore Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Air Force joins the nation once again to observe Energy Awareness Month this October, with this year's theme being "Power the Force, Fuel the Fight." This event is designed to promote energy conservation in both the work and home environments and everyone is encouraged to do more than just be aware and instead, take action. "The Air Force is making excellent progress toward satisfying federal energy mandates," said Rick Stacey, chief of the Air Force Facility Energy Center. "Some of the more prominent goals require us to reduce energy intensity 30 percent by 2015, reduce water intensity 26 percent by 2020, and increase renewable energy to 25 percent of all electricity use by 2025. Stacey explained as time goes by the goals are getting tougher and everyone should do all they can to help the Air Force continue its successful energy program. Since 2003, the Air Force has reduced energy use by nearly 15 percent, water consumption by 11 percent, and more than six percent of all electricity is obtained from renewable sources. The Air Force energy strategy for meeting these goals is to reduce demand, increase supply, and change the culture. Currently, the Air Force leads the Department of Defense as the number one producer and user of renewable energy. More than six percent of the Air Force's electric supply comes from on-base renewable energy projects including wind, solar, geothermal, and landfill gas. Throughout the various bases across the globe, the Air Force continually uses facility energy audits, utility meters, energy recommissionings, and a variety of other tools to pursue aggressive reduction targets. "We are evaluating ways to expand our portfolio to include waste-to-energy and biomass projects as we work toward producing 25 percent renewable energy by 2025," said Ken Gray, AFFEC rates and renewable branch chief. Two new wind turbines will come online this fall at the Massachusetts Military Reservation. Additionally, construction will soon begin on a 14 megawatt solar array at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. The Air Force's success and its ability to truly change the culture and develop a new mindset when it comes to energy, depends on the individual actions of everyone. "Each individual can and must contribute," Stacey said. "No matter how small or how large the action, people will ultimately make the difference. Take a moment to turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Make saving energy and water a habit every day, and encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to do their part too." Below are a few examples of how we can all take action this Energy Awareness Month: Appliance reduction - Reducing a number of appliances in facilities can yield significant energy savings. Refrigerators, coffee pots, and microwaves should be consolidated into break rooms. Computer log off - Don't just pull out your ID card and go home, remember to log off. The Air Force IT Power Management Team estimates this action alone can save more than $10 million a year. Temperature Control - Most bases use set points of 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. Dress appropriately for the temperature in your facility. Inform your facility manager - Report incorrect temperature set points, leaky faucets, blocked air vents, cracked windows, and other problems to your facility manager or civil engineering customer service. Outdoor conservation - If you notice a broken sprinkler head wasting water or area lights left on in a parking lot during the day, report it to the local civil engineer customer service. No waste - Don't turn a blind eye to problems. If you see something that doesn't need to be on, turn it off. If you see a problem, report it. [Noted: Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs contributed to this story.]