Meeting energy reduction goals by...

Published Dec. 3, 2010
By David Geeza
911 AW/MSG

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- The Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the Federal Government. Every year it spends about $1 billion just for the energy it takes to run its facilities. If the Air Force met its annual goal of saving three percent of that energy, $30 million would be saved!

It is up to every one of us to change our culture and reduce consumption to support the Department of Defense and Presidential directives to increase our energy independence.

The Energy Awareness Month theme is: "Powering America, We're on target."

The Federal government is leading by example and pointing the way toward the target of energy security and renewed economic prosperity.

Here are five things we can all do now to help secure a clean energy future at work and at home:

1. Choose only Energy Star appliances and office equipment.

2. Make the switch to compact fluorescent lights from incandescent.

3. Set back thermostats - This alone can save up to 25 percent of our heating and cooling costs.

4. Turn off lights, computer monitors, printers when not in use.

5. Slay the Energy Vampire (flip the switch on the power strips and unplug unused wall chargers).

Every little action we take will add up to big results. Take action this year to help us stay on target of our energy reduction goals.