Air Force photograph by Michelle Gigante1st Lt. Rchael Cooper (left), facility energy program manager, Air Force Materiel Command, explains the capabilities of the new smart power strip to Lt. Gen. Andrew Busch, AFMC vice commander, Oct. 12.
In an effort to reduce its energy consumption, and save $5.4 million over 10 years, Air Force Materiel Command recently began distributing new energy efficient power strips for electronic devices located in workstations throughout the command.
AFMC will distribute more than 77,000 of the new strips, which are designed to use significantly fewer kilowatt-hours than traditional power strips, as they “power down” electronic devices when not in use.
Col. Douglas Wise, chief of the Civil Engineer Operations and Readiness Division, Installations and Mission Support said that smart strips will save energy and cut costs.
“Across the command, AFMC will reduce energy usage by an estimated 8 million kilowatt-hours annually, saving an estimated $540,000 per year,” he said. “This initiative will also raise awareness of energy conservation, as we work to promote a culture of energy efficiency throughout the command.”
Lt. Gen. Andrew Busch, AFMC vice commander, said that making good energy decisions will continue to be a priority for the command.
“AFMC has been a leader in energy conservation and efficiency,” he said. “From testing and developing synthetic fuels to winning international awards for waste reduction management – finding ways to be more ‘green’ and reduce energy expenditures by using technology like the smart strip will continue to be our priority.”
The Air Force – including AFMC – observed Energy Action Month in October, highlighting the Air Force’s significant role in the nation’s strategy to establish greater energy security and become more energy efficient through conservation and use of alternative energy sources.
