Energy Awareness Month highlighted at MAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Every year, billions of dollars are spent on energy. As Airmen and consumers of energy, it is our duty to do everything we can to use it wisely. While the Air Force's mission grows and its reach spreads farther, proper utilization of this resource is becoming a focal point for every individual team member and the whole organization alike.

The AF is the largest consumer of energy in the U.S. Federal Government. Nearly nine percent of the AF budget is spent on it every year, according to the secretary of the Air Force public affairs office.

October is Energy Action Month throughout the federal government. During this time, across the globe, bases and the Airmen that make them tick share innovative ways in which everyone can make more energy-aware choices. As a centerpiece, this month's "I am Air Force Energy" campaign is educating Airmen on how to maximize their energy efficiency in order to increase mission effectiveness.

Some ways to conserve energy include shutting down appliances that may not be necessary to use throughout the day. In the workplace, tools and equipment that may use excess power can be turned off. In the grand scheme of things, something as simple as turning off a light or two may not seem like a big deal, but when every member of the team takes these steps to help conserve what they can; the benefits are tremendous.

"Each of you impact the Air Force's energy use by flying more efficiently, turning off vehicles and equipment when not in use, or simply turning off lights when appropriate," said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, in a recent release. "During October - the President's Energy Action Month - we challenge you to commit to a continual and sustained change in organizational and personal energy use."

At Malmstrom Air Force Base, the 341st Missile Wing is beginning new projects to better utilize its energy resources. On an annual basis the base operates on an approximately $7.5 million dollar budget, so every effort to conserve energy where possible is applied.

Currently being implemented at the base is an energy management control system, which will allow remote control heating and cooling of Malmstrom's structures. Installation of meters on these structures will also allow planners to observe the effects of these conservation measures.

At the heating plant, an upgrade is currently being installed to allow the use of more natural gas versus coal. This installation will save money and allow much more flexibility in the plant meeting actual heating requirements.

Over the last several years the efficiency level and rate of consumption of energy within the military has drastically increased.

"Since fiscal year 2011, the Air Force has created a ten percent increase in the distance we can carry a ton of cargo on a gallon of fuel, while simultaneously decreasing the related costs by more than eight percent," said Miranda Ballentine, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy. "This is one of many success stories driven by great suggestions from the field."

For Malmstrom and across the AF, a couple key factors have taken the lime light and made their way to the forefront of commander's priority lists. Improving resiliency, reducing demand, assuring supply and fostering an energy aware culture are the goals.

"We need every Airman to drive innovation and ensure we efficiently use every pound of jet fuel, every watt of electricity and every gallon of gasoline," James said. "During these challenging times, every dollar counts and your actions contribute to reducing costs and supporting mission effectiveness."

Through proper implementation of resources and a spirit to help educate one another about these goals, a bright future is in store for everyone.