Shaw fuels the mission with energy solutions Published Sept. 29, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Vincent A. Mouzon 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Energy awareness month is a campaign during the month of October that promotes the efficient use of energy. President George Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month Sept. 13, 1991. Originally, saving energy stemmed from American Energy Week, which was observed from 1981 to 1985. In 1986, the U.S. Department of Energy began observing month-long energy awareness. Energy Awareness Month is for all Americans to observe because each of us is a part of the solution. Every day, each of us makes decisions that can stimulate sustainability and a new energy economy. The federal government is the single largest domestic user of energy, and spends more than $9 billion to power its vehicles, operations and approximately 500,000 facilities throughout the United States. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 requires federal agencies to meet a number of energy and water management goals. Recent presidential executive orders and directives state that "the federal government should set a good example of conservation by reducing its own energy use." "We can be aware of many important Energy Conservation measures such as securing lights and workspaces leaving, even for short periods, and choosing Energy Star for all appliances at home and at work," said Ed Saleem, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron resource efficiency manager. "Ensure temperatures in dormitories, working spaces and at home are within ACC guidelines of 76 degrees, and set back to 84 degrees when unoccupied during summer months, 69 degrees for occupied offices, 65 degrees for occupied shops, and 55 degrees for both when occupied during winter months." The theme for the Air Force FY10 Energy Awareness Campaign is "Energy Solutions...Fueling the Mission." This theme is intended to highlight the importance to our overall mission to fly, fight and win, and it supports our energy strategy to reduce demand, increase supply and change the culture. "The Air Force needs a purposeful campaign that builds upon our long history of energy conservation and leadership to create an enduring and viable energy strategy that meets conservation mandates, establishes energy independence, and provides the pathway to acquire the resources necessary to make our installations energy efficient," said Lt. Gen Kevin Sullivan, DCS/Logistics, Installations & Mission Support, in his introduction to the USAF 2008 Infrastructure Energy Strategic Plan. The Air Combat Command campaign puts a laser focus on our Airmen, both uniformed and civilian, assuring we make energy a consideration in all we do. For more information visit http://www.eere.energy.gov/.