Commentary: We are all Air Force Energy

  • Published
  • By Karen Bastian
  • 75th CES Energy Outreach coordinator
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Reducing energy consumption can lower one's personal electric bill, and help to drive down the cost of energy overall. Turning off lights when not in use, buying energy saving appliances and changing light bulbs from incandescent to LED or compact fluorescents are proven ways to lower energy bills.

In conjunction with this Air Force-wide effort to conserve resources at work and at home, the Hill AFB Energy Office has been spreading the word. Throughout October, energy saving tips and ideas have been posted through Hill Energy Twitter and Facebook sites.

Information has been shared with Hill AFB retirees at the Retiree Appreciation Day and on Oct. 9 the Hill AFB Energy Awareness Fair was held, which is planned to become an annual event. Airmen and their families received information from local utility companies regarding power use, lighting products, water consumption, and gas saving methods. Hill's new 9-foot energy mascot Col. Conserve was there to greet and Taze-out energy waste.

Now is a perfect time to begin our own personal commitment to save energy everywhere possible to ensure that our Air Force can operate as energy efficient as possible because "We Are Air Force Energy."

Managing our limited energy resources efficiently is critical for the future. Our Air Force is the largest energy consumer in the federal government.

The federal government has mandated we reduce energy intensity 3 percent annually through the end of 2015 targeting a collective total goal of a 30 percent reduction from the original 2003 baseline year.

Although we have made significant strides toward achieving the goal, there are plenty more areas where we can reduce energy consumption even further.
We look toward the implementation of energy saving projects, business process improvements, and an increased energy awareness from all who associate within Hill Air Force Base.

As we begin the cold winter months let us continue to create habits of conservation at work, in our transportation and in our homes.