Clean and green for a secure energy future

  • Published
  • 75th Civil Engineer Group
We first set a side a time to remind us about saving energy in 1981 with American Energy Week, which was observed from 1981 through 1985. It became a month-long observance at the Department of Energy in 1986. On September 13, 1991, President George H. Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month. Since then, the U.S. Department of Energy has been conducting energy awareness campaigns that promote the wise and efficient use of the nation's energy. 

"The 2007 Energy Awareness Month campaign theme says it all -- Clean and Green for a Secure Energy Future," said Dave Abbott, base utility manager. "This reminds me of the old saying 'the best, most efficient unit of energy is the one never used,' we all need to make wise choices for saving energy, money, and resources. "

In President George W. Bush's 2007 State of the Union address, mentions to congressional leaders "For too long, our Nation has been dependent on oil. America's dependence leaves us more vulnerable to hostile regimes, and to terrorists - who could cause huge disruptions of oil shipments, raise the price of oil, and do great harm to our economy." 

Energy efficiency can become an everyday aspect of the way we do business. The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal energy management program encourages federal employees and others to promote the message that individuals can help increase our national energy supply and improve energy security through efficiency.

"Everyone benefits from the wise use of energy at federal facilities," said Mr. Abbott. "As the single largest domestic user of energy, the federal government spends more than $9 billion to power its vehicles, operations, and approximately 500,000 facilities throughout the United States." 

Efficient energy management at federal facilities saves the taxpayer dollars, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, protects the environment and natural resources, and contributes to our national security.

The 75th Civil Engineer Squadron maintenance technicians will start the transition from cooling to heating in base facilities. Because of the cool mornings and warm afternoons, we experience a few weeks of no heating or cooling. In anticipation of this, we will be cycling the boilers on during the early morning hours to take off the chill. As the day progresses and warmer temperatures prevail we will be shutting down the boilers to conserve energy. This saves the Air Force energy costs and provides maintenance personnel with the time to make the transition; however, it also creates a problem for personal comfort. To solve this problem we ask that base personnel keep this in mind, and be prepared for the weather change. Dress appropriately to accommodate your personal comfort.

During this month, think about what you can do to save now so that we don't have to pay later. Organize a project to raise awareness by putting up posters in your work area, report a leaking faucet, and turn off your computer monitor and speakers when not in use. There are so many little things that you can do that can really add up if we all work together.

If you have an idea or project to conserve energy, contact Dave Abbott at (801) 777-5944 or Mike Jimenez  at (801) 777-5419 in the energy management office.