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Andersen embraces energy awareness month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Whitney Tucker
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The first of October marks the beginning of National Energy Awareness Month, an effort to underscore how integral energy is to our national prosperity, security and environmental well-being. In commemoration of the campaign, the 36th Wing is kicking off a month of clean energy events and activities.

In the coming weeks, the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron's energy department is scheduled to host a kick-off event at the Base Exchange, address and educate students at Andersen Elementary School, and install an energy efficient shower head at the home of Brig. Gen. John Doucette, 36th Wing commander, to name just a few activities in store for Team Andersen members.

"The Department of Defense is one of the largest energy users in the world," said Patrick Russell, 36 CES energy manager. "Fortunately, energy is an area in which we can easily cut costs simply by being more vigilant. It is a great opportunity to affect change and show our desire to improve stewardship of the taxpayer dollar."

As the cost of energy soars, it has become more and more prevalent that the Air Force's long-term effort to improve energy security through efficiency succeeds. This year, Andersen has spent a reported $50 million to sustain energy on-base, $20 million more than the previous year.

"Energy is becoming more expensive and we are seeing that increase each fiscal year," Mr. Russell said. "In order to stop the trend it is important to be aware of energy conservation methods you can implement on a day-to-day basis in your own home."

"The number one way for base housing residents to reduce energy use is to raise the temperature setting on your air conditioning unit," he continued. "Any setting 72 degrees or lower runs continuously, never shutting off. We ask that residents maintain a temperature of 76 degrees or higher."

According to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Executive Orders 13423 and 13514 and the Energy Independence Act of 2007, all federal agencies are required to reduce their resource consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the use of renewable energy used in federal facilities.

"I believe it is important to recognize the goals we are called to achieve in the coming years," said John Manaloto, 36 CES energy efficiency manager. "It's not as if we don't have something to strive for."

According to the mandates, all federal agencies must reduce their energy intensity by three percent per year through 2015, reaching a 30 percent reduction from the 2003 baseline. Additionally, federal agencies must establish benchmarks for renewable energy use.

"By the year 2013, 7.5 percent of a facilities' energy consumption must come from a renewable source," Mr. Manaloto said. "Renewable sources include wind, ocean energy, solar energy, municipal solid waste and landfill gas to name a few. Through a combined effort, these goals are more than attainable. The great thing about it is folks like you and me can make it happen simply by putting forth a little effort. "

Achieving energy goals requires sustained effort, a systematic approach, determined leadership and a firm commitment from all Team Andersen members to identify and implement workable solutions. Daily commitment to enhancing our nation's energy security complements the Air Force's core values and supports the Air Force mission.