Fly blue, go green Published April 25, 2011 By Althea Spriggs 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Air Force's mission is to fly, fight, and win in the air, space, and cyberspace. This entails operations that require a tremendous amount of energy. The vision for the Air Force energy plan, "Make energy a consideration in all we do," highlights that energy is central to all of the interdependent functional aspects of the Air Force's mission execution. The Air Force energy plan serves as the operational framework for all military and civilian Air Force personnel in communicating the Air Force energy goals, objectives and metrics. The goals and objectives to increase supply target three areas: aviation fuel, ground fuels and installation energy. In fiscal 2008, the Air Force spent approximately $9 billion to fuel aircraft and ground vehicles and provides utility services, primarily electricity and natural gas to installations. The Air Force is the largest consumer of energy in the U.S. federal government, and its mission and global operations require a tremendous amount of energy. Energy is a critical component of Air Force strategy and sustainability. Due to the magnitude of energy consumed by the Air Force, any actions taken to reduce energy consumption and procure alternative or renewable energy sources are significant in their potential impact for enhancing energy and national security. The Air Force civil engineer support agency calculated that energy projects were 49 percent of total fiscal 2010 sustainment, restoration and modernization projects and 17 percent of sustainment, restoration and modernization dollars awarded. Moody's contribution to the Air Force civil engineer support agency total has increased each year since 2009 by implementing energy projects and programs that can reduce energy consumption. Moody's energy staff has identified more than 15 recommendations for reducing electricity and natural gas consumption and other energy saving opportunities with the emphasis on low to no-cost measures, such as improving maintenance oversight and occupant energy awareness. Other energy saving opportunities that may require initial capital outlays are also identified and should be considered once the higher priority low or no-cost measures have been put into place. Of the low to no-cost measures, energy outreach, improved maintenance and plug load reduction have the most significant impact relative to cost. An important part of lowering costs all around is Airmen remaining vigilant about the energy they use and trying to lower that usage.