"I am AF Energy" campaign in full swing Published Oct. 15, 2013 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron DS2 SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The month of October is Energy Action Month and provides an opportunity for Airmen to learn more about the impact of energy to the Air Force's mission as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy. The theme continues to be, "I am Air Force Energy," with the goal of inspiring the total force to be more efficient so they can give the Air Force an assured energy advantage in air, space and cyberspace. Beginning this month, the Air Force will highlight specific steps Airmen can take in their jobs to be more energy aware. More efficient flight descent procedures, new ways of loading cargo, and vehicle idle time reduction are just a few of the ways Airmen can help the Air Force achieve its energy goals and maximize its energy advantage to support the mission. "Energy is a key part of the effort to modernize our Air Force and do more with less," said Kathy Ferguson, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics. "Every gallon of fuel and watt of energy we save allows us to have more resources to meet other Air Force priorities." In fiscal year 2012, the Air Force spent $9.2 billion on energy, almost 10 percent of the total budget. In a time of fiscal uncertainty, it is even more important that everyone does their part in helping conserve resources. Hundreds of Airmen have gone above and beyond to help increase our energy security. A few examples include: · Energy Manager David Morin led an energy program at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, that collected and analyzed energy use data to increase energy efficiency and implemented xeriscopic landscaping wherever possible. Through these efforts, Morin helped reduce base energy consumption by 27 percent, water by 24 percent and overall utility bills in fiscal 2012 by $1.9 million. · U.S. Air Forces Europe Energy Manager Kelly Jaramillo oversaw an energy program that included 46 projects estimated to save more than $5.5 million a year. She also implemented an energy awareness campaign that engaged the residents in Military Family Housing , helping them reduce energy consumption 25 percent and natural gas 17 percent . · The Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Support Center earned a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold rating by consolidating five functional organizations into a single facility, cutting energy consumption 60 percent and costs 50 percent. The building utilizes a high-efficiency variable refrigerant flow HVAC system, centrally maintained temperature set points and low-flow plumbing. These features helped the base reduce potable water use 50 percent, and save 2,862 MMBTUs and $55,000. · The Air Combat Command facility energy team at Langley Air Force Base, Va., oversaw facility energy optimization at 16 installations, reducing energy use by 5.9 percent from 2011 and awarded 39 energy projects to save 447,471 MBTUs and $5.4 million annually. In total, the programs implemented by ACC reduced energy consumption by 538,809 MMBTU, cut CO2 emissions by 62,835 tons, and saved $6.67 million annually. · The 22nd Operations Group Fuel Efficiency Office at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., designed and implemented measures to reduce and eliminate inefficiency in the fuel management of the KC-135. These measures included reducing KC-135 landing fuel, changing the KC-135 standard landing configuration, incorporating fuel efficiency software to inform flight speed, routing, and altitude, pioneering a new training configuration which reduced aircraft basic weight, air maximizing simulator usage and training 400 aircrew on the importance of fuel management. These efforts saved the Air Force $4.3 million despite sorties being increased by 42 percent. "We need the continued commitment of every Airman and family member to help us continue to drive innovation, and ensure we efficiently use every gallon of jet fuel, every watt of electricity and every drop of gasoline," said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Eric Fanning. "During these challenging economic times, every dollar counts and your every action can count towards reducing and supporting mission effectiveness." Besides learning from their colleagues, Airmen are encouraged to take an online energy module available to all personnel with a Common Access Card on the Advanced Distance Learning System. Online Energy Module available: https://afcesa.csd.disa.mil Please enjoy the Energy related links below: http://www.af.mil/energyinitiatives/index.asp http://www.facebook.com/#!/AirForceEnergy www.youtube.com/user/AFBlueTube