Saving energy enables mission Published Oct. 14, 2010 By 375th Mission Support Group SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz stated, "We must embrace the notion that energy efficiency is not a stand-alone priority because it binds together and enables every dimension of our mission." Energy efficiency means using less energy to get the job done. Energy efficiency is important because it is win-win-win. Energy efficiency saves energy, it saves money, and it helps the environment. Energy efficient products often outperform their wasteful counterparts. For example, energy efficient fluorescent lights are so efficient that they actually pay for themselves in energy savings in just a few years. These new light bulbs are also an improvement over the old ones - they don't hum or flicker, and they make objects look better because of their "color rendering." Better lighting while saving energy - that's energy efficiency. General Schwartz sees the potential that energy efficiency has to benefit all aspects of the Air Force and he has embraced it. Eliminating waste makes it easier to achieve our core mission of providing the "right effects in the right place at the right time." Just as a fighter plane needs to be as light as possible to maximize its range, agility, and speed, Scott can better accomplish its mission as the base becomes more energy efficient. The Scott energy management team works closely with personnel across the base to achieve these goals. For example, the base wide lighting project recently upgraded lighting in 90 facilities saving over 1.2M watts every year. For all that Scott has accomplished in energy efficiency, more opportunities exist. The base energy management team looks forward to supporting any unit's efforts while saving energy. To join in, call 256-5534.