‘I am Air Force Energy’ Campaign Kicks Off Published Oct. 2, 2015 By Department of Energy 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs 10/02/2015 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- October, Energy Action Month, provides an opportunity to promote energy and water conservation awareness as part of a national campaign led by the Department of Energy. The theme, 'I am Air Force Energy,' puts the Airman at the center of the campaign. The goal is to inspire the Total Force to make a commitment to a continual change in organizational and personal energy use, and help Airmen realize they can make a difference in overall Air Force energy efforts. Beginning this month, the Air Force will highlight energy success stories from around the Air Force enterprise in videos, fact sheets, and articles distributed via the Air Force website, Facebookand YouTube. Your CE Team is working here within the community to bring the message to our local area, providing tips, encouraging you to look for opportunities in your home and workplace and highlighting your successes. The Air Force estimates it spends more than $9 billion on energy each year or 9 percent of its total budget. Our local share of that budget in electric and heating energy has historically been in excess of $24 million per year. Any savings we can realize could be better spent on our Airmen, our readiness, and our mission. Achieving each of these goals set by the Air Force - improving resiliency, reducing demand, assuring supply and fostering an energy aware culture - involves the hard work and innovation of Airmen. In the last year, we have seen some impressive success stories. From energy recovery efforts at Misawa Air Base, Japan following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami to efforts to reduce facility energy demand through projects ensuring the sustainability of our installations, a number of Airmen have gone above and beyond to have a real impact. The Air Force is implementing energy awareness training and education for Airmen, civilians and contractors during basic training, officer training, technical school and more. There is also an online outreach module available to all Air Force personnel with a Common Access Card on the Advanced Distance Learning System. It provides energy tips specific to various job functions. The Lakenheath CE Team strives to identify viable savings projects, but we all have a part to play in accomplishingour reduction goals. Simple no-cost changes, when executed across the board, can have far reaching impacts. Some ideas include consolidating appliances within your facility, remembering to log out and turn off your computer screen at the end of the day, adjusting radiators to a reasonable setting, and using daylight when possible. Don't turn a blind eye to problems - know the name of your facility manager and report incorrect temperature settings, leaky faucets, blocked air vents, cracked doorframes or windows, outdoor lights on during the daytime and other problems to your facility manager or to CE Customer Service. These are easy steps that can yield positive environmental and financial results for our community and the Air Force. Keep an eye out throughout October for more energy conservation tips and events. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact your Base Energy Manager at 226-5105.