Secure today's energy: fuel tomorrow's mission Published Oct. 21, 2008 By Senior Airman Matthew Davis 20 FW Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- October is Energy Awareness Month, and Airmen here are reminded that small changes can make a big difference. "The Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the Federal Government," said Kevin Billings, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment, and logistics. "Most of the energy used by the Air Force comes from imported oil, and much of that oil comes from countries that are non-allied to the United States." By reducing energy consumption, Airmen can support the Department of Defense and presidential directives to increase energy independence. Additionally, Airmen aware of their energy usage can help reduce waste and secure a clean-energy future. According to Greg Skaggs, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager and utility engineer, something Airmen can do to help secure a clean energy future is to choose Energy Star appliances and Energy Star-rated office equipment. Also, make the switch to compact fluorescents and set back thermostats. Simple actions like turning off lights, computer monitors and printers when not in use can make huge differences in preserving energy as well as flipping the switch on power strips and unplugging unused wall chargers. "The Air Force has been trying to reduce energy by three percent a year since 2006," said Skaggs. In an effort to raise awareness about energy consumption and waste, the Air Force has resource energy managers like Ed Saleem, the REM here. "It is our duty as Americans to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and to save energy in every way possible," Saleem said. By making small changes around work areas, Airmen can start the decline in energy waste. By focusing on conserving energy, Airmen here can provide the Air Power necessary "anyplace, anytime, anywhere."
Secure today's energy: fuel tomorrow's mission Published Oct. 21, 2008 By Senior Airman Matthew Davis 20 FW Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- October is Energy Awareness Month, and Airmen here are reminded that small changes can make a big difference. "The Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the Federal Government," said Kevin Billings, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment, and logistics. "Most of the energy used by the Air Force comes from imported oil, and much of that oil comes from countries that are non-allied to the United States." By reducing energy consumption, Airmen can support the Department of Defense and presidential directives to increase energy independence. Additionally, Airmen aware of their energy usage can help reduce waste and secure a clean-energy future. According to Greg Skaggs, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron energy manager and utility engineer, something Airmen can do to help secure a clean energy future is to choose Energy Star appliances and Energy Star-rated office equipment. Also, make the switch to compact fluorescents and set back thermostats. Simple actions like turning off lights, computer monitors and printers when not in use can make huge differences in preserving energy as well as flipping the switch on power strips and unplugging unused wall chargers. "The Air Force has been trying to reduce energy by three percent a year since 2006," said Skaggs. In an effort to raise awareness about energy consumption and waste, the Air Force has resource energy managers like Ed Saleem, the REM here. "It is our duty as Americans to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and to save energy in every way possible," Saleem said. By making small changes around work areas, Airmen can start the decline in energy waste. By focusing on conserving energy, Airmen here can provide the Air Power necessary "anyplace, anytime, anywhere."