RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Randolph Air Force Base joins the Air Force and our nation to observe Energy Awareness Month in October. This year's theme, "Power the Force, Fuel the Fight," encourages us to do more than just be "aware." Instead, military personnel and civilians alike are encouraged to take action.
"The Air Force is making excellent progress toward satisfying federal energy mandates," Rick Stacey, Air Force Facility Energy Center chief, said. "Some of the more prominent goals require us to reduce energy intensity 30 percent by 2015, reduce water intensity 26 percent by 2020 and increase renewable energy to 25 percent of all electricity use by 2025. But as time goes by, the goals are getting tougher. We need everyone doing all they can do to help the Air Force continue our energy program successes."
Since 2003, Randolph AFB has reduced energy use nearly 10 percent and water consumption by 6 percent. The installation's energy strategy for meeting these goals is to reduce demand, increase supply and change the culture. Various events scheduled for around the installation will serve as the focal point to change the culture.
In order to identify and aggressively pursue reduction targets, Randolph uses facility energy audits, utility meters and a variety of other tools. For fiscal 2011, $5.8 million in Air Force and Wing funds were used for capital projects such as replacement of old, inefficient chillers and boilers, addition of high-efficiency motors and variable frequency controls, efficient high-bay lighting, infrastructure improvements and a base-wide energy management control system. Work also continues on the construction and expansion of the base-wide virtual chilled water plant, which will optimize cooling efficiency for the bases largest consumers.
The Air Force leads the Department of Defense as the number one producer and user of renewable energy. More than 6 percent of our electric supply comes from on-base renewable energy projects including wind, solar, geothermal and landfill gas.
"We are evaluating ways to expand our portfolio to include waste-to-energy and biomass projects as we work toward producing 25 percent renewable energy by 2025," Ken Gray, AFFEC Rates and Renewable Branch chief, said.
To assist in the effort, Randolph is in the design process for a small photovoltaic array to supplement base energy supply as well as explore possibilities for a "net-zero" approach for facilities at the Seguin Auxiliary Airfield. As the technologies and opportunities arise through utility providers and Joint Base San Antonio, Randolph and its members will stand poised and ready to participate.
The ability and success of the Air Force to develop a new energy-awareness mindset within its culture depends on each Airman.
"Each individual can and must contribute," Col. Scott Peel, 902nd Mission Support Commander, said. "No matter how small or how large the action, people will ultimately make the difference. Take a moment to turn off lights and appliances when not in use; make saving energy and water a habit every day; and encourage your family, friends and co-workers to do their part too."