October is Air Force Energy Action Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Notes
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- --  October is Air Force Energy Action Month. The theme for Energy Action Month is "I am Air Force Energy" because of the many roles everyone takes to ensure energy security and achieving the mission of fly, fight, and win in air, space, and cyberspace. Energy is embedded into everything the Air Force does and everyone has a part in ensuring the Air Force meets its energy goals.

In 2012, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on fuel and electricity accounting for almost ten percent of the Air Force's budget. Every dollar that isn't spent on energy can be invested into Airmen, their families, and the mission.

At Altus AFB, the installation of high efficiency lights, faucets, shower heads and toilet fixtures across the base, in addition to high efficiency infrared heating in select hangars, has aided in conserving energy. The base's energy intensity has been reduced by 32 percent since 2003, helping Air Education and Training Command succeed in its goal of 30 percent energy reduction by 2015. The Mighty 97th is also making great strides toward reducing water consumption, which has been reduced by 7.8 percent, or 7.8 million gallons, compared to the three year average.

You help to achieve these goals by following these tips:

· Turn off computer monitors at the end of the day or when they're not in use for more than 20 minutes to properly enter energy-saving sleep mode.

· Reduce idling in vehicles. Thirty minutes of idling burns through approximately one gallon of gas.

· Consolidate personal appliances like coffee makers or microwaves in break rooms.

· Call the Civil Engineering Squadron at 481-6606 if your building is too cold in the summer or too hot in the winter. They can adjust the temperature set point and save energy.

Also, the incorporation of renewable energy into the base such as solar-powered hot water heaters, provide the hot water for the Solar Inn Dining Facility. Twenty percent of the energy various facilities receive is from renewable sources such as hydro and wind power.

The Air Force has made great strides in reducing energy usage to keep dollars in the budget to address Airmen's needs and the mission. Let's all take the personal responsibility of concerning energy.

Please visit http://www.safie.hq.af.mil/energy/ for more information on how you can get involved.

We Are Air Force Energy!