New Air Force Plan Targets Energy

American Forces Press Service

Dec. 9, 2009 - The Air Force has rolled out a new plan to reduce energy consumption and incorporate energy considerations into all phases of its practices. The Air Force is the federal government's largest consumer of energy.

The plan serves as the framework for communicating Air Force energy goals and further expands a culture shift in which airmen make energy a consideration in everything they do, officials said.

"Integrating energy considerations into Air Force operations is not new," said Debra Walker, currently performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, logistics and environment. "While we have recently developed overarching policy guidance, the Air Force Energy Plan provides us with a foundational, comprehensive plan from which to execute programs."

The plan is written in plain English and explains installation energy requirements, goals and targets, Walker said. "But these requirements, goals and targets," she added, "are part of a larger plan that includes acquisition and technology, changing the culture and how we train and indoctrinate people about considering energy in their duties and other matters. It also strongly considers aviation operations."

Air Force Col. Suzanne Johnson, chief of policy and planning, worked on the plan for more than two years. The final product comprises the core document and appendices that cover aviation operations, infrastructure and acquisition.

The desired effect, officials said, will be achieved through a three-part strategy that can be applied to any functional area. The strategy involves reducing demand, increasing supply through alternative and renewable types of energy, and changing the culture.

"We are proud of the energy initiatives already implemented by the Air Force," Walker said. "But this gets an actual, institutionalized, long-range energy plan into 2035. Otherwise, we have no unity of purpose, no unity of effort."