October is Energy Action Month

  • Published
  • By Russell Hume
  • 10th Civil Engineer Squadron general engineer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  It's that time again! Every October is Energy Action Month and we take time to reflect on energy; and while October is Energy Action Month, we must make energy a consideration in all we do each and every day.

Energy is a polarizing topic. It is often associated with someone telling you to turn off the lights or replacing nice warm incandescent lights with the "curly bulb" compact fluorescent lights. But in reality, energy is much broader. Energy provides installation power, but more importantly for the Air Force, it provides power for our aircraft. In fact, aviation fuel makes up over 80% of the energy that the Air Force uses annually. The total energy bill for the Air Force was $9B in FY12. So as we look forward, a secure supply of energy provides not only the conveniences we enjoy at our work centers, but plays a vital role in the Air Force's ability to maintain its Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power.

Energy supply is only one component of the Air Force energy equation. In addition to assuring supply, we must reduce demand and foster an energy-aware culture. Reducing demand is as simple as turning off peripheral computer equipment, such as speakers and monitors at the end of the duty day, or using smaller task lighting in your work center each day. These small efforts, when done across a broad area, deliver real results. Even just one percent of $9 billion is $90 million, so take time and make the extra effort - it does pay off!

The final part of the Air Force energy equation is to foster a culture of energy awareness. I believe there is no better location in the Air Force to promote this than here at the Air Force's Academy. Within our mission to develop leaders of character, we must infuse the notion of resource management. The recent fiscal challenges will likely continue for several years. Nearly every decision made has a financial impact. Instilling energy-conscious decision-making skills in our 4,000 future leaders of the Air Force is imperative. The less we spend on turning on the lights or heating the facilities, the more money we have to Fly, Fight and Win.