JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
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 continues to be, "I am Air Force Energy," with the goal of inspiring 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.
"Energy is a key part of the effort to modernize our Air Force and do more with less," said Kathy Ferguson, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics. "Every gallon of fuel and watt of energy we save allows us to have more resources to meet other Air Force priorities."
In fiscal year 2012, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on energy, almost 10 percent of the total budget. In a time of fiscal uncertainty, it is even more important that everyone does their part in helping conserve resources. Hundreds of Airmen have gone above and beyond to help increase our energy security.
One example is: The Air Combat Command facility energy team at Langley AFB, Va., oversaw facility energy optimization at 16 installations, which reduced energy use by 5.9 percent from 2011 and awarded 39 energy projects to save 447,471 MBTUs and $5.4million annually. In total, the programs implemented by ACC reduced energy consumption by 538,809 MMBTU, cut CO2 emissions by 62,835 tons, and saved $6.67 million annually.
Look for more energy saving stories and tips during the month of October!