Energy Action Month: Academy works to conserve Published Oct. 16, 2013 By the 10th Civil Engineer Squadron 10th Air Base Wing U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Energy Action Month: Academy works to conserve By 10th Civil Engineer Squadron As we enter the third week of Energy Action Month, it's important we continue doing all we're able to conserve energy not only in October, but every day of the year. Each of us has a part to play in meeting the Academy's energy-saving goal. The Academy spends approximately $11 million each year on utility bills so think about it -- if we lower our energy use by 10 percent, we save more than $1 Million. Every one of those dollars saved is a dollar made available for mission requirements. In 2007, all federal agencies were directed to reduce energy intensity - energy consumption per square foot - by three percent through 2015 with the goal of reducing energy consumption by 30 percent. Since 2005, we've lowered our energy intensity here by 16 percent. Our end-of-year 2013 goal is 24 percent; while we're short of the overall goal, we're still making strides because saving energy has become a staple of how the Academy conducts business as we produce lieutenants for the Air Force and our nation. For example, we incorporate energy-saving improvements into the planning of all major renovations, such as the ongoing overhaul of Vandenberg Hall. Earlier this month, we began replacing all exterior street and parking lot lights with light-emitting diode, or LED, fixtures as they use less power, provide better light and last longer than sodium lights. Overall, 10 energy saving projects have been implemented at the Academy since 2010 including lighting retrofits, chiller replacements and improving our heating and air conditioning system. We're doing our part on the environmental front by continuing to explore the use of using renewable energy. While most of our electricity is provided by coal-fired power plants, the use of our solar array reduces our need for coal-generated electricity, lowers pollution and provides about 15 percent of our electrical energy. There's still more work to do, but with your continued efforts the Academy could very well lead the way in its energy conservation efforts. As we enter the third week of Energy Action Month, it's important we continue doing all we're able to conserve energy not only in October, but every day of the year. Each of us has a part to play in meeting the Academy's energy-saving goal. The Academy spends approximately $11 million each year on utility bills so think about it -- if we lower our energy use by 10 percent, we save more than $1 Million. Every one of those dollars saved is a dollar made available for mission requirements. In 2007, all federal agencies were directed to reduce energy intensity - energy consumption per square foot - by three percent through 2015 with the goal of reducing energy consumption by 30 percent. Since 2005, we've lowered our energy intensity here by 16 percent. Our end-of-year 2013 goal is 24 percent; while we're short of the overall goal, we're still making strides because saving energy has become a staple of how the Academy conducts business as we produce lieutenants for the Air Force and our nation. For example, we incorporate energy-saving improvements into the planning of all major renovations, such as the ongoing overhaul of Vandenberg Hall. Earlier this month, we began replacing all exterior street and parking lot lights with light-emitting diode, or LED, fixtures as they use less power, provide better light and last longer than sodium lights. Overall, 10 energy saving projects have been implemented at the Academy since 2010 including lighting retrofits, chiller replacements and improving our heating and air conditioning system. We're doing our part on the environmental front by continuing to explore the use of using renewable energy. While most of our electricity is provided by coal-fired power plants, the use of our solar array reduces our need for coal-generated electricity, lowers pollution and provides about 15 percent of our electrical energy. There's still more work to do, but with your continued efforts the Academy could very well lead the way in its energy conservation efforts. Energy Saving Tips · Turn off task-related lighting when out of the office and computer screens and speakers at the end of each workday. · Use community coffee pots and refrigerators. · Space heaters are not authorized except under special circumstances. · Report day-burning exterior lights and doors that do not seal tightly or close properly to a facility manager.