Sheppard adopts energy Cost Conscious Culture (C3) Published April 10, 2012 By Eddie Jordan 82nd Training Wing/D2 SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Times are changing. Whether our attention is focused on industry growth, the stock market, mission capability, or even the price of gas at the pump - it is obvious our world has changed. The global market has developed into one that can be defined as volatile, callous, and stringent. With this in mind, it has become necessary to examine all expenditures at every level of government. Though budgets are constrained, Sheppard embraces a Cost Conscious Culture (C3) that promotes the Air Force vision to remain the dominant global force. Team Sheppard is actively pursuing the C3 vision of General Rice, commander of Air Education and Training Command, by implementing programs that effectively save money, resources and time. "It's about being good stewards of America's resources," Rice stated. "It is more than just achieving greater efficiency; it really is about a mindset that makes cost considerations a part of everything we do." As members of a dynamic force, it is understood that this mindset will be progressive and challenging. Team Sheppard is committed to advancing culture change and one major area of emphasis is the base Energy Program. Sheppard's Energy Program is comprised of three pillars which parallel the Air Force Energy Plan: Reduce Demand, Increase Supply, and Culture Change. Engaging the base population is the most important key to success regarding culture change. With a daily average of 20 thousand personnel, every decision to conserve plays a vital role in the overall C3 vision. The energy program produced vast monetary savings and significant intensity reduction for Sheppard in 2011. In comparison to a prior three year average, the base reduced energy intensity by seven percent and water intensity by 11.9 percent. Intensity reduction is basically energy or water reduced in comparison to square footage on base. The diligent efforts of all Team Sheppard members resulted in a second place ranking in the AETC Energy/Water Intensity Reduction Contest, which came with a $1M prize for the installation. Wing leadership immediately reinvested these winnings, ensuring Team Sheppard would benefit in quality of life and base communications upgrades to facilities such as the Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory facility, fitness center, and communication switching components. Not only has Team Sheppard exhibited the theme of conserving money, resources, and time - it has proven that mission success and quality of life work hand in hand. For more information about Earth Day 2012, which will on April 22nd, click here or contact Eddie Jordan, base energy manager, at 676-2853.