Air Force kicks off Energy Action Month

By Tech. Sgt. Dan DeCook, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs / Published October 01, 2015

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- October is Energy Action Month throughout the federal government and in the Air Force. During the month, the Air Force will run several campaigns in order to promote using energy wisely.

In 2012, President Barack Obama issued a presidential proclamation declaring October as National Energy Action Month. In the proclamation, Obama called upon Americans to work together “to achieve greater energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for our children.”

Throughout the month, the Air Force will share 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 types of best practices can have a significant impact on reducing energy demand.

While the Air Force runs many energy awareness programs, it relies on its Airmen to find new ways to save time, money and energy. Airmen who wish to submit energy saving ideas may do so by working with their local Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century office.

“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.”

The Air Force not only looks for ways to save energy but also to use renewable energy. Currently, the Air Force is the leading purchaser of renewable energy within the federal government and has been a long time pioneer of renewable energy development and leadership. The military branch is also recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Green Power Partner, one of the nation’s top purchasers of green power.