October is Energy Awareness Month Published Sept. 28, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno 11th Wing Public Affairs AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON -- "Energy conservation: It starts with awareness" is the theme for this year's Energy Awareness Month at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. The philosophy behind the theme is that "New awareness equals new behaviors, new behaviors equal new culture and new culture equals a better stewardship of resources," said Robin Robinson, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron energy program contractor. Using an energy and water conservation training and awareness program, leaders and energy stewards from the Air Force District of Washington seek to accomplish four key goals: Inspire and empower base stakeholders to make energy a consideration in all they do; provide stakeholders the tools to reduce energy and water consumption by changing their behavior; give awards and public recognition to those who demonstrate energy consciousness; and showcase Andrews Air Force Base and Bolling Air Force Base as nationally recognized models for energy and water conservation, she said. Stakeholders are defined as leaders, facility managers, base personnel and residents. "By definition, a stakeholder is one who is involved in or affected by a course of action," said Ms. Robinson. "Energy policy and energy awareness affect everyone. Everyone who works or resides at Bolling Air Force Base is affected by energy policy, therefore is considered a 'stakeholder.'" Ms. Robinson offers a number of ways that people can do their part to make Energy Awareness Month a success, such as replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights, turning off monitors at the end of the workday, unplugging equipment that drains energy when not in use and cleaning or replacing filters in furnaces, air conditioners or heat pumps. To lighten the energy consumption load as alternatives for heating during the winter months, Ms. Robinson encourages others to open curtains at the south-facing window of their homes to offer natural heat and close them at night to reduce the chill emitted from cold windows. For cooling alternatives during the summer, she suggests people close or adjust window blinds to block direct sunlight and use overhangs or exterior window covers to reduce cooling needs. "People should utilize these eco-friendly practices year-round," said Ms. Robinson. "When Earth Day and Energy Awareness Month come around, people should use that time to learn new strategies to increase energy efficiencies and positive eco-friendly impact on the environment." To clarify the difference between Earth Day and Energy Awareness Month, Ms. Robinson explains that EAM focuses more on activities involving energy generation and consumption, whereas Earth Day focuses on activities involving environmental stewardship as a whole. "Although EAM and Earth Day are two separate events, both directly support each other," she said. "EAM activities support protecting the environment and natural resources, and promote environmental stewardship. Earth Day emphasizes the same activities. EAM can be viewed as a semi-annual reminder to be green and eco-friendly." Before it was known as EAM, American Energy Week and was observed from 1981 to 1986 when the U.S. Department of Energy began a month-long observance. On Sept. 13, 1991, then-President George Bush proclaimed October as Energy Awareness Month. Since then, the U.S. Department of Energy has conducted energy awareness campaigns to promote the wise and efficient use of the nation's energy. "The purpose of promoting energy conservation and efficient energy management with the awareness theme is to reduce energy consumption, protect the environment and natural resources, save taxpayer dollars and contribute to our national security," said Ms. Robinson. "Energy allows us to do so many things that make our lives better, but energy is not free, and there are costs associated with energy."