AF Breakfast Series Recap: Dr. Geiss and AF Energy

The Air Force has been operating under the theme "I am Air Force Energy" this month, in line with the this month also being National Energy Awareness Month -- a national effort to underscore how central energy is to our national prosperity, security, and environmental well-being.

Energy is something we all should take into consideration, said Dr. Kevin Geiss, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, in Washington, D.C. Dr. Geiss was the guest speaker today at AFA's October session of the Air Force Breakfast Series. 

"It enables every element of the Air Force mission," he added, everything from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, to transport of cargo. 

Dr. Geiss is responsible for providing oversight and direction for all matters pertaining to the formulation, review, and execution of plans, policies, programs, and budgets for the effective and efficient use of energy to support the global Air Force mission.As of FY12, under Dr. Geiss’ guidance, the U.S. Air Force has more than 180 renewable projects in operation or under construction. In addition, the Air Force has been able to finish certifying its fleet on a synthetic fuel blend and has won six Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) awards.

Last year, the Air Force spent $9.7B  on energy costs, and 2.5B gallons of aviation fuel. With energy costs continuing to rise and the demand still being very present, his office has set out to accomplish four priorities:

1. Improve resiliency (enable the Air Force to bounce back quickly if their access to energy is compromised, using the 2011 tsunami in Japan as an example.)
2. Reduce demand
3. Assure supply (working with industry to make resources more available)
4. Foster an energy-aware culture

Check back to our Air Force Breakfast Series site to get the full audio transcript of the breakfast. In addition, check out tips on how you can do your part (document courtesy of the USAF): USAF's "I Am Air Force Energy"

Dr. Geiss Speaks at Air Force Breakfast Series during Energy Awareness Month

Dr. Geiss speaks to a crowd of military,
media and industry professionals,
at the Crystal City Marriott

"Energy is a critical topic for the Air Force," said Dr. Kevin T. Geiss, a member of the Senior Executive Service and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Logistics, Washington, D.C.

Dr. Geiss was the guest speaker for AFA's Air Force Breakfast Series this month,  which is also nationally observed as Energy Awareness Month!

Dr. Geiss is responsible for providing oversight and direction for all matters pertaining to the formulation, review and execution of plans, policies, programs and budgets for the effective and efficient use of energy to support the global Air Force mission.

Awareness is great, he said, but the aim is to "move the Air Force and move the nation to action" in energy efficiency. Their initiatives include improving resiliency (ability to easily recover if access to conventional energy sources are ever compromised); reducing demand for energy (reducing cargo, coordinating missions with allies, improving resource management, etc.); assuring supply (landfill gas is being used by Hill AFB to produce electricity); and fostering an energy aware culture.

The Air Force is making excellent progress toward satisfying federal energy mandates. Since 2003, the Air Force has reduced energy use nearly 15 percent, water consumption 11 percent, and more than six percent of all electricity is obtained from renewable sources. And today, 99% of Air Force aircraft is fitted for synthetic fuels. 

Listen to the full presentation here:

http://www.afa.org/CorpMembers/Breakfast_10-26-11_Geiss.asp