'Clean and Green -- for a Secure Energy Future' Published Oct. 4, 2007 By 305th Civil Engineering Squadron MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Once again the Department of Energy has designated October as Energy Awareness Month. This year's campaign reminds us to conserve energy for a cleaner environment; "Clean and Green - for a Secure Energy Future". The campaign's goal is to protect our natural resources by utilizing energy wisely. The DOE is publicizing this year's campaign with posters, bookmarks, key chains and post-it-notes that will be distributed at different base locations to include the Self-Help store on the main base, the base library, and fitness center. In May 2001, President George W. Bush issued a directive indicating the need for the federal government to set precedence for commercial industry by utilizing energy efficient and renewable energy sources. By taking advantage of energy efficient technology and consuming renewable energy sources, the president hopes to protect our natural resources, reduce the amount of hazardous emissions released into the atmosphere and save dollars for the taxpayers. "It is important for Team McGuire to do their part in reaching the federally mandated 30 percent energy-reduction goal by year 2015," said Joseph Bogdan, 305 CES energy manager. McGuire's present energy conservation efforts consist of a combination of energy awareness, utilizing energy efficient products and implementing energy conservation projects. Part of energy conservation is energy awareness - no cost energy measures that lower energy consumption. Energy awareness promotes such efforts as turning off unnecessary lights, lowering thermostat settings during heat season and cleaning the coils on the back of the refrigerator. The base's Energy Team promotes a continuing energy awareness program at McGuire through the following measures: · Energy awareness posters/decals in public places · Awareness articles · Energy messages on marquee sign · Energy conservation tips on computer pop-ups · Building managers briefings · Earth Day celebrations Unlike energy awareness, energy efficiency is using advanced technology to save energy while maintaining the accustomed comfort level. In other words, you don't need to wear a coat and gloves while sitting in your office this winter in order to save energy. When utilized properly, energy efficient technology can save vast amounts of energy, yet remain invisible to the customer. Some energy efficient initiatives we have accomplished at McGuire include: · Replaced incandescent bulbs with lower wattage compact fluorescent lights · Replaced old fluorescent fixtures with energy efficient fixtures · Replaced incandescent exit signs with light emitting diodes exit signs · Installed Energy Management Control Systems to computerize heat and air conditioning controls to reduce energy loads · Installed programmable thermostats in several facilities to automatically lower temperatures during unoccupied hours · Installed energy efficient windows and doors in renovations · Installed low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators · Installed infrared controlled faucets in various base buildings In addition to the DOE's October crusade, The Federal Energy Management Program promotes a year long energy campaign "You Have the Power". Perhaps during your excursions around McGuire, you have noticed FEMP posters reminding us that the responsibility to save energy is in our hands. It is up to each and every one of us to become aware of the energy around us and make a concerted effort to cut back on unnecessary usage. For helpful energy conservation information, visit the government Web site at www.energysavers.gov. This Web site provides information to help you save energy in your home, business, vehicle, or industrial plant. There are also helpful links on Energy Savers that take you directly to resources available through other federal agencies.