October is Energy Action Month

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
October is Energy Action Month and Team Beale is participating to promote energy and water conservation awareness as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy.

The Air Force adopted the theme, "I am Air Force Energy," which makes Airmen the heart of the campaign.

"Beale utilizes hydro energy which is extremely cost-effective," said Robert McBride, 9th Civil Engineer Squadron base energy manager. "We strive to conserve our resources to the fullest extent."

Throughout the month, Airmen are challenged to make a commitment to a continuous change in organizational and personal energy use.

Awareness is good, but action is better. Airmen must create a culture where energy consideration is in everything they do, every day, on and off duty said McBride.

"Our Airmen are innovators. They have identified new policies, processes and technologies to improve the ways we use energy," said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley. "We will look to their continued creativity and focus on energy to obtain an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace."

Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, Civil Engineer, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., recommends taking a proactive approach to energy conservation in an edition of CEnterline, stating A-C-T-I-O-N is key.

How Airmen can take action now in their everyday lives:

A - Appliance reduction. Around the office and at home, seek out Energy Star-qualified multifunction devices that provide multiple capabilities (print, scan, copy). This not only saves energy but also space.

C - Computer log-off. Even though we cannot turn off our computers at the end of the work day due to updates, we can log-off. This ensures the computers will go into sleep mode properly. The team of Information Technology Power Management for the Air Force estimates this action alone can save more than $10 million a year.

T - Temperature set points. Most bases use approximately 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. Rather than using space heaters or fans, everyone should dress appropriately for the facility's temperature.

I - Inform you facility manager. Report leaky faucets, blocked air vents, cracked windows and/or any other problems to your facility manager or CE customer service.

O - Outdoor conservation. Report instances like parking lot lights left on during the day or a broken sprinkler head dripping water to CE customer service. Corrective actions indoors and outdoors around base can have a huge impact on energy and water conservation goals.

N - No waste. Do not turn a blind eye. Take action. If you see a problem, report it. If you see something that does not need to be on, turn it off.

When conserving energy resources, our nation enjoys cleaner air and a healthier environment. Airmen can also help protect the climate by reducing greenhouse gases, gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2008, Americans avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 29 million cars through choices made with energy-saving measures.

McBride said Airmen should try to take action by reducing demand, increasing supply and making culture changes.

"A quick way for all Airmen to reduce energy usage is to add a little natural light to dark rooms," said Roger Engstrom, 9th CES resource efficiency manager. "Who doesn't want a little natural light? It's free."

For more information or to report conservation instances, please contact 9th CES customer service line at 634-2605.