Center wings use AFSO21 principles to conserve energy, reduce waste Published Aug. 8, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78th ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, GA -- Members of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center's wings joined together July 28 through Aug. 1 for the base's first lean energy event. The 330th Aircraft Sustain-ment Wing, the 402nd Mainten-ance Wing and the 542nd Combat Sustain-ment Wing, spent five days trying to lean energy use in Bldgs. 300 and 301. "These organizations have the largest concentration of administrative processes in these locations and therefore the best opportunity for improvement and conservation," said Cody Smith, a safety specialist with the F-15 program depot maintenance line in the 402nd MXW and who represented the American Federation of Government Employees at the event. Mark Stokes, Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century facilitator for the event said it was important for the three wings to collaborate on the event because of the similarity of the two buildings in terms of age and function. "Collaboration with other wings in Bldgs. 300 and 301 to develop an integrated energy conservation policy makes sense because these buildings have similar structures and we can better utilize government resources," said Darlene Dixon, co-chair for this event and 542nd CSW administrative section chief. Mr. Stokes said the biggest benefit of the event will be the increased awareness of the building's occupants about the base's energy conservation efforts. The goal is to reduce energy costs by 10 percent by the end of fiscal 2009 and by 30 percent by end of fiscal 2015, said Jeane Paris, energy awareness program manager. Some of the things the group hopes to accomplish include checklists and reminders located throughout the buildings to enhance awareness. "Most of the ideas that came from the energy event are measures that can be focused on by every employee taking corrective actions to eliminate energy waste, such as shutting off and/or unplugging non-essential lighting, personal electronic devices, appliances, computer monitors at the end of the day, copiers and fax machines, to name a few," Ms. Paris said. The group also wants to create an environment that encourages self policing and encourages employees to offer their own energy saving ideas, Mr. Stokes said. The team hopes to begin seeing some immediate results of the lean event, followed by more evidence during the next month and an action plan completed by October, he added. "We are really confident in winning the hearts and minds of personnel encouraging them to implement simple energy saving techniques by October 1," said Mr. Smith. Though the focus of the lean event is limited to Bldgs. 300 and 301, members of the team are aware their footprint will be seen in many other facilities on base as Robins continues to fight energy waste. "We have the opportunity to lead the way to ensure Robins meets its goal of a 30 percent reduction in energy consumption by 2015," Ms. Dixon said. "I hope the outcome of the event, whether it be policy or awareness ideas, will be used by every organization on base and they will not have to reinvent the wheel." The members of the lean event team agreed they all looked forward to building on the progress made during the event. "This week we spent is not the end, it is only the beginning and we must continue our teamwork to see the actions through," Mr. Smith added.