Reducing energy consumption is an important step for all citizens of the world to make. In addition to individuals, companies and organizations must look towards being environmentally responsible as well. One sector in the United States that one might not expect conservation to be growing is the armed forces.
A number of branches from the American military are expanding their efforts to become more energy efficient and increase alternative energy use. Two of the branches committed to this cause is the Air Force and Navy.
The Air Force has set goals for the year 2015, including reducing their energy intensity by thirty percent. The Air Force also has a goal of making just over ten percent of all energy used come from renewable energy. In addition, the Air Force is expected to reduce their potable water use by sixteen percent by the year 2015.
The Air Force has spent thus far $2.3 billion on increasing their environmental conservation including renewable energy and water conservation. In order to accomplish their goals, the Air Force built solar facilities at six bases in 2009.
In addition to adding solar power to bases, they have also built two wind turbines on two different bases. A two megawatt wind turbine was built at a base in Wyoming and a 1.5 megawatt turbine was built in Massachusetts. With such actions, the Air Force has already reduced their energy intensity by thirteen percent.
Through a variety of efforts, the Navy has reduced their fuel costs by more than $79 million in 2009. In addition to conserving more fuel, the Navy also reduced their overall energy use by twelve percent in 2008. The Navy is expected to increase their energy savings through solar, geothermal and ocean thermal methods they are currently undertaking.