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Team Shaw leads the way during Energy Action Month

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  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  October is Energy Action Month across the Air Force. This year's theme, "mission assurance through energy assurance," puts Airmen at the center of the campaign.

"Since fiscal year 2011, the Air Force has created a 10 percent increase in the distance we can carry a ton of cargo on a gallon of fuel, while simultaneously decreasing the related costs by more than 8 percent," said Miranda Ballentine, assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and energy. "This is one of many success stories driven by great suggestions from the field."

President Barack Obama issued a presidential proclamation in 2012, declaring Americans must work together "to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children."

In support of this proclamation, the Air Force and Team Shaw have scheduled several campaigns to promote wise energy usage including the installation of LED lighting in street lights and automated logic controllers into heating and air conditioning systems.

"Anytime cost saving energy reduction measures can be implemented is a win for the environment and future generations," said Francisco Delgado, 20th Civil Engineer Squadron electric shop foreman.

Throughout the month, the Air Force will share innovative ways for Airmen and families to be more energy conscious. These include turning off lights, limiting the time vehicles idle, shutting down unnecessary appliances and other equipment and observing energy efficient behavior on the job.

"Occupancy sensor controlled indoor and outdoor lighting throughout base is currently in progress. Overhead power lines are being replaced and installed below ground, enhancing efficiency to our power grid and removing old aged overhead equipment to pad mounted more reliable systems," said Delgado.

Currently the Air Force is the leading purchaser of renewable energy within the federal government; the Air Force has been a long time pioneer of renewable energy development and leadership. The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes the Air Force as a Green Power Partner, one of the nation's top purchasers of green power.

The Air Force has several energy awareness programs, and relies on Airmen to discover new ways to save time, money, and energy. The Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office is available for submissions. To submit an idea to the Air Combat Command AFSO21 office visit, www.acc.af.mil/afso21.asp.

For more innovative ways to save energy visit: www.energy.gov.

(Information from a Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs article was used in this story)