An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Energy Action Month focuses on Airmen's role in sustaining an assured energy advantage

  • Published
  • By Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  October, Energy Action Month, provides an opportunity for Airmen to learn more about the impact of energy to the Air Force's mission as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy.

The theme for 2013, "I am Air Force Energy," puts the Airman at the center of the campaign. The goal is to inspire the total force to be more efficient so they can give the Air Force an assured energy advantage in air, space, and cyberspace.

Beginning this month, the Air Force will highlight specific steps Airmen can take in their jobs to be more energy aware. More efficient flight descent procedures, new ways of loading cargo and vehicle idle time reduction are just a few of the ways Airmen can help the Air Force achieve its energy goals and maximize its energy advantage to support the mission.

Base EAM Champions have planned activities during the month to highlight energy awareness. These efforts will share best practices and celebrate the innovative ideas and accomplishments of Airmen at all levels across the country and around the world who have reduced energy and water use and saved money.

"In fiscal 2012, the Air Force saved more than $1.5 billion through smarter buildings, new technologies, and more efficient flight operations," said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning. "The smart use of energy means flying our aircraft farther, transporting more cargo, and accomplishing our mission in a more efficient and effective way."

Despite the savings, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on energy in fiscal 2012.

"Every gallon of fuel and watt of electricity we save allows us to have more resources to meet other Air Force priorities," said Kathleen Ferguson, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment, and Logistics.

Hundreds of Airmen have gone above and beyond to help increase our energy security.

Energy Manager David Morin led an energy program at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, that collected and analyzed energy use data to increase energy efficiency and implemented xeriscopic landscaping wherever possible. Through these efforts, Morin helped reduce base energy consumption by 27 percent, water by 24 percent and overall utility bills in fiscal 2012 by $1.9 million.

Kelly Jaramillo, U.S. Air Forces Europe Energy Manager, oversaw an energy program that included 46 projects that are estimated to save more than $5.5 million a year. She also implemented an energy awareness campaign that engaged the residents in Military Family Housing and helped them reduce energy consumption 25 percent and natural gas 17 percent.

The Seymour Johnson AFB Support Center earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold rating by consolidating five functional organizations into a single facility which cut energy consumption 60 percent and costs 50 percent. The building utilizes a high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow HVAC system, centrally maintained temperature set points, and low-flow plumbing. These features helped the base reduce potable water use 50 percent, and save 2,862 MMBTUs and $55,000.

The 22nd Operations Group Fuel Efficiency Office at McConnell AFB, Kan., designed and implemented measures to reduce and eliminate inefficiency in the fuel management of the KC-135. These measures included reducing KC-135 landing fuel, changing the KC-135 standard landing configuration, incorporating fuel efficiency software to inform flight speed, routing, and altitude, pioneering a new training configuration which reduced aircraft basic weight, air maximizing simulator usage, and training 400 aircrew on the importance of fuel management. These efforts saved the Air Force $4.3 million, even though sorties increased 42 percent.

All of these success stories highlight how Airmen have taken organic ideas and used them to affect the entire Air Force. During this month all Airmen are encouraged to really focus on energy conservation and how they can do their part to give the Air Force an assured energy advantage.