YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- With global energy demands rising, both the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force issued a challenge to all of its members, stating:
"As the largest energy user in the federal government, the Air Force must find ways to reduce our energy consumption, especially given the current economic environment. To ensure Airmen always have reliable, secure access to energy when and where the mission requires, we will pursue an energy posture that is resilient, robust, and ready to support our global missions."
- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.
Yokota's 374th Civil Engineer Squadron responded to the challenge accordingly by saving the Air Force thousands of dollars in energy costs. They also won the 2012 Federal Energy and Water Management Award, a national award recognizing individuals, groups and agencies for their outstanding contributions in the areas of energy efficiency, water conservation and the use of advanced and renewable energy technologies at federal facilities.
"It's the first time we've submitted for the award and I'm happy we won it," said Christopher Cook, 374 CES energy manager. "This was a team effort and many people contributed."
The energy team won the award by implemented many successful energy saving programs such as No Heat/No Cool, a program that saved Yokota $400,000, 3.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and 1.27 million liters of heating fuel oil. Other programs replaced light bulbs around base with more energy efficient bulbs that save money while lasting longer.
"Our primary mission on base is to keep C-130s in the air, and that takes money," said Cook. "Every dollar we spend paying an electricity bill is a dollar that could be spent gong toward Yokota's main mission."
Along with implementing a variety of programs, the team also informed the base populous on base about the importance of energy conservation. Additionally, they submitted weekly action reports on energy initiatives and concerns to higher leadership.
"In order to save energy, we have to get everyone on board," said Cook. "Airmen in the workplace are the best link to saving energy for the Air Force, not just an engineer sitting in the back of a room coming up with ideas."
Even after winning the national award, 374 CES personnel have no plans to slow down their energy conservation effort.
"We have a lot of small changes that are adding up to big savings around base," said Master Sgt. Paul Thompson, 374 CES electrical systems section chief. "The more money not being spent on wasteful energy is more money towards other programs."
While saving money has been the focus of military installations these past few years, Yokota will also save another valuable Air Force resource from new equipment installed around base.
"Not only are we saving money, but also man-hours," said Thompson. "Less maintenance on equipment means we can spend our time doing other things than changing out light bulbs every month."
If you have an energy saving idea, or to learn more about energy conservation, call 225-9321.