October is Energy Awareness Month
October 4, 2008 --
Each year, the Federal government celebrates October as Energy Awareness Month. But this October let this effort be just a beginning. Energy awareness must be a part of our way of doing business not only during the month of October, but continuously throughout the year and into the future.
This year, the value of saving energy, money and resources has become more important than ever. With this in mind, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) which mandated a 2 percent per year reduction in the energy intensity of government buildings and facilities. Following EPACT, Executive Order 13423 now requires a 3 percent annual reduction in the energy intensity of government buildings and facilities. Energy intensity will be measured in million British Thermal Units (BTUs) per square foot of building, BTU/sf. We will be rated on usage and not cost. They are related as the more usage requires more cost, plus all commercial customers will be paying a 22.9 percent increase in electricity effective January 1, 2009.
As a steward of our nation's freedom and independence, it is incumbent on the Guard to lead by example and help employees, volunteers and visitors reduce their consumption of energy and nonrenewable resources. Make it a habit to turn off your computer monitor, speakers and lights when you leave your office or throughout the day when not in use. I would like to remind everyone of the temperature setting of 68 degrees for heating and 78 degrees for cooling. We can work together to take the small actions that add up to big results.
This October, the Air National Guard is launching an energy awareness program to spread the word about the importance of the energy efficient practices and products we use every day on our bases. Look for additional information coming your way soon.
This year, the value of saving energy, money and resources has become more important than ever. With this in mind, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) which mandated a 2 percent per year reduction in the energy intensity of government buildings and facilities. Following EPACT, Executive Order 13423 now requires a 3 percent annual reduction in the energy intensity of government buildings and facilities. Energy intensity will be measured in million British Thermal Units (BTUs) per square foot of building, BTU/sf. We will be rated on usage and not cost. They are related as the more usage requires more cost, plus all commercial customers will be paying a 22.9 percent increase in electricity effective January 1, 2009.
As a steward of our nation's freedom and independence, it is incumbent on the Guard to lead by example and help employees, volunteers and visitors reduce their consumption of energy and nonrenewable resources. Make it a habit to turn off your computer monitor, speakers and lights when you leave your office or throughout the day when not in use. I would like to remind everyone of the temperature setting of 68 degrees for heating and 78 degrees for cooling. We can work together to take the small actions that add up to big results.
This October, the Air National Guard is launching an energy awareness program to spread the word about the importance of the energy efficient practices and products we use every day on our bases. Look for additional information coming your way soon.
