Mighty Ninety does its part to reduce energy demand Published Oct. 23, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- In October, the Air Force observes Energy Action Month. The theme continues to be "I am Air Force Energy," recognizing the role each Airman plays in helping the Air Force achieve its energy goals. EAM provides an opportunity to promote energy and water conservation awareness to Airmen as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy. Traditionally, Air Force installations commemorate EAM by hosting energy days, providing training and handing out information in public areas. The Air Force's campaign continues to expand. The Air Force implemented an internal effort to have energy champions within every unit who will help distribute energy materials and encourage participation in installation energy initiatives. There is also a greater focus on installation-wide competitions that drive Airmen to be more efficient through friendly competition. At the request of Kathleen Ferguson, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, major command vice commanders selected representatives from their staffs to act as conduits for EAM. A 2005 Air Force directive provided guidelines stating Air Force organizations should cut 30% of its energy usage by 2015, said 1st Lt. Travis Smith, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron project manager. In keeping with these efforts, F.E. Warren has its own plans in place to reduce its energy use, Smith said. One major effort on base to reduce energy consumption is the decentralization of heating throughout the base. Currently, F.E. Warren has a centralized heating plant, but plans are in place to install boiler rooms in each building, Smith said. Boiler rooms heat the base more efficiently, he said. Individual Airmen can do their part by switching incandescent light bulbs in base housing for more efficient compact fluorescent lights for free in Bldg. 330. "We're reducing our demand on energy so we can put that money back toward Airmen," Smith said. Warren's ultimate goal is to get to a net-zero building profile, meaning no consumption of energy the base does not produce itself using wind, solar or other power-generating sources, he said. So far the base has reduced its energy consumption approximately three percent each year since the directive was given, so it is on track to meet its goal, Smith said. "Hopefully that will continue past the 2015 deadline," he said. Throughout the week, the 90th CES has set up an information booth in different areas on and around base, including Freedom Hall Elementary, with information on energy saving. Smith said teaching kids about conserving energy is especially worthwhile because they often lack the understanding of where energy comes from and the consequences of engaging in wasteful activities. The booth will be at the F.E. Warren Base Exchange Oct. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Smith said. For more energy saving tips and information, visit any of the following websites: -http://energy.gov -http://www.we-energies.com -https://www.progress-energy.com -http://www.cheyennelight.com -http://www.afcec.af.mil