October is Energy Action Month for U.S. Federal Agencies. The Air Force launched its month-long series of educational opportunities and activities with a letter to all Airmen from Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Welsh and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Cody. The leaders wrote, “Energy is a fundamental component of all Air Force operations. The smart use of energy means flying our aircraft farther, transporting more cargo and accomplishing our mission in a more efficient and effective way.” (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton)

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Throughout October, the Air Force shares innovative ways in which Airmen and their families can make more energy-aware choices. 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. Implementing these sorts of best practices can have a significant impact on reducing energy demand. (Courtesy graphic)

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Warren does its part for Energy Action Month

Published Oct. 15, 2014
By Senior Airman Jason Wiese
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. -- October is Energy Action Month throughout the federal government. In the Air Force, Energy Action Month is the centerpiece of the "I am Air Force Energy" campaign to educate Airmen on ways they can maximize their energy efficiency and mission effectiveness.

F.E. Warren Air Force Base has been doing its part this month -- as well as the rest of the year -- to reduce its energy consumption.

"We try to be good stewards of the environment and be on the edge of green technology," said 2nd Lt. Aaron Wurster, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron EAM lead.

Also, in the current fiscal environment, it is especially important to conserve energy when possible, said Ken Johnston, 90th CES energy manager.

"Every dollar that we don't spend on energy can be spent on something else," Johnston said.

One of the base's largest energy conservation efforts is a project to replace incandescent light bulbs in street lamps on base to LED bulbs, Wurster said.

"There will be huge energy savings," he said.

Another effort to reduce energy on base is Warren's long-term project to move from using a central heating plant for many buildings on base to natural gas boilers each facility controls, Wurster said.

Some buildings on base use geothermal heating, which is even more efficient. 50-foot-deep pillars funnel water deep into the ground where geothermal energy heats it, and then it is pumped back up and used to heat the building, saving lots of energy consumption, he said.

"We're expecting to save $600,000 a year just on heating," Johnston said.

If the base facilities do not burn 100,000 dekatherms of natural gas (which is the expected amount of savings these changes will make), that is a significant amount of polluting emissions they also will not release, Johnston said.

A more readily visible conservation effort is the replacement of grass on base-- usually blue grass -- with buffalo grass, a hardier, native grass that uses less water, Wurster said.

Further reducing the base's water usage, engineers replaced the above-ground sprinkler system that watered the grass in many areas on base with new underground watering system that delivers water more efficiently and without waste.

Much of the water delivered via an above-ground sprinkler system evaporates before it can water the grass, he said.

In addition to the efforts to save energy coordinated by base officials, individual Airmen can do their part to save energy in the workplace.

Airmen should make a conscious effort to turn off lights and power down electronics when possible to save energy, Wurster said.

If every Airman in the Air Force logged off their workplace computers each night properly, it could save the Air Force millions in energy costs, he said.

Even at homes on and off base, Airmen and their families have many opportunities to save energy, Wurster said.

"At home, it's often easier because you're directly paying for energy," he said.

The U.S. Department of Energy and 90th CES give the following energy saving tips:

At work
· Turn off lights and electronics when not in use when possible.
· Use natural lighting when possible.
· Carpool or bike when possible.
· Use durable, non-disposable coffee cups.
· Reduce or consolidate the number of appliances in the workplace (e.g. coffee makers, refridgerators, etc.)
· Log off computers at the end of the day. This will enable energy-saving sleep mode.
· Dress appropriately for the temperature rather than increasing energy demands with space heaters or fans.
· Keep facility managers informed of issues in the workplace that might increase energy demands, such as leaky faucets, blocked air vents, cracked windows, etc.
· Report energy wasting issues outdoors, such as broken sprinkler heads and street lamps on during the day, to the 90th Civil Engineer Squadron at 307-773-3175.

At home
· Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs.
· Use energy-saving settings on appliances.
· Install programmable thermostats.
· Look for ENERGY STAR® when shopping for appliances.
· Insulate hot water pipes and ducts.
· Rope caulk leaky windows.
· Reduce air conditioning energy use by planting shade trees and shrubs around the house, especially on the west side.
· Set water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Setting the temperature any higher heats the water to a point when the water will be scalding hot, and this wastes energy.
· Keep an eye out for signs of poor insulation, such as cold air escaping the home or snow melting quickly from roofs.