Sheppard gets set to celebrate Earth Day on April 20th

  • Published
  • By Paul Woods
  • 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron/DS2
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  As Team Sheppard celebrates Earth Day on April 20th, remembering energy awareness, good stewardship of resources and common sense are required to carry out the Air Force theme "Blue Acts of Green."

This celebration will include a program that starts at 9:00 a.m. on April 20th for all students at Sheppard Elementary School.

A discussion on recycling at home and at work, as well as energy conservation, will be presented. Following the discussion there will be a tree planting ceremony outside.

Team Sheppard supports the three pillars of the Air Force Energy Plan by reducing demand, increasing supply and culture change. What can you do to help make energy saving decisions not just on Earth Day, but every day? Empowerment is the key to success!

It is a personal decision to get involved. You are empowered to make a change for the better by reducing energy and water consumption. It's up to you to turn off unnecessary or optional equipment; it exemplifies the principles of good leadership and sets the example. Reducing consumption saves both money and resources and exemplifies the principles of a Cost Conscious Culture (C3).

To this end, base civil engineering has initiated energy projects that have dramatically reduced green house gas emissions, but at the same time fully support the mission. The most visible changes common to Team Sheppard members are the installation of energy efficient lights and modern air conditioning units and controls.
Some of the savings experienced at Sheppard between 2010 and 2012 include:

· An amount of energy equivalent to the annual power usage of 331 average homes. This is equal to $2,351,000 in annual savings for the base.

· Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction that includes 12,000 tons of Carbon Dioxide. Greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and releases infrared energy in the atmosphere.

The principles of good stewardship of our resources include both energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases. Team Sheppard has always been known for leadership within the community by setting the example for others to follow. Taking care of these resources should always be part of our Blue Acts of Green!

For more information, please feel free to contact Paul Woods, Resource Efficiency Manager at 676-4564.