The Chief of the General Staff has called for a cultural shift leading to tangible energy savings. The Italian Air Force is taking part in the awareness campaign entitled “M’illumino di meno” (“I’ll use less light”), promoted by the Caterpillar programme (Radio 2) Among the main environmental initiatives carried out by the Italian Air Force in 2008, particular mention should be made of a significant training programme for 40 environmental advisers and 33 staff members responsible for the management of hazardous materials and waste, as well as the publication of Directive SMA-LOG-019 (Guidelines for reducing consumption and implementing self-generation energy systems). “The aim of the Directive,” adds General Tei, “is to define the policy and implementation of strategies aimed at energy efficiency, the reduction of air pollution – including a reduction in CO₂ emissions into the environment – the rationalisation of consumption within the Armed Forces, and energy self-generation using renewable sources”. The intention is, therefore, to outline possible “Guidelines” to be followed regarding “Consumption Reduction”; all with a view to enabling the Air Force to support this project through its operational and logistical contributions, and to fulfil its commitments regarding “energy and water saving”. Below are just a few examples of what was achieved in 2008 in the field of environmental sustainability: FRECCE TRICOLORI Mario Visintin Airport in Rivolto, which is the headquarters of the 2nd Wing and the National Aerobatic Team (P.A.N.), also known as the Frecce Tricolori, has for several years been carrying out a series of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. In particular, flight operations – which alone account for the majority of paper and therefore toner used by the National Aerobatic Team – have almost entirely moved to an electronic format: pilots enter flight data directly into the computer system and receive all the information they require from it. Similar procedures are followed in aircraft maintenance, where the same IT system facilitates virtual ‘communication’ with other organisations and the flight operations team. Finally, it is worth highlighting a number of measures that have long been integrated into our operations, aimed at achieving energy savings and an environmentally sustainable outcome for the Administration: the replacement of all light bulbs with fluorescent or low-energy bulbs, alongside a policy aimed at raising staff awareness of environmental issues, such as encouraging the use of public transport or cycling to work. INSTITUTE OF MILITARY AERONAUTICAL SCIENCES, FLORENCE
The Institute of Aeronautical Military Sciences, built in 1938 in the natural setting of Florence's Cascine Park, is already an example of how buildings constructed seventy years ago have not altered the Park's ecosystem over time: flora and fauna continue, in fact, to flourish, “coexisting” with the “humanity” that populates the School daily. Consistent with the due attention paid to the historical and architectural conservation of the property, measures are being taken in favour of eco-sustainability, such as low-energy consumption lamps in offices, savings on the heating system, paper savings by using both sides of the sheet for printing, and separate collection of waste materials. 34th AIR FORCE RADAR GROUP SIRACUSA
Regarding the 34th Air Force Radar Group of Syracuse – Mezzogregorio, during 2008, timers and low-consumption E27 18W lamps were installed. This resulted in savings that, economically, led to a cost reduction equivalent to double the purchase and installation expenses. Furthermore, foot-operated taps were installed, which contributed to reducing water consumption. Alongside the installation of these devices, a thorough awareness campaign for personnel on energy and water saving issues was undertaken. AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT (RE.S.I.A.) OF ROME
The Re.S.I.A. of Acquasanta is situated in the centre of a territory (Appia Antica Park) of exceptional natural, monumental, and historical value, which has escaped Rome's expansion and constitutes an authentic «green lung». The year 2008 saw Re.S.I.A. engaged in environmental protection and respect. Alongside the use of low-energy light bulbs, the main activity undertaken in this regard was the introduction of separate waste collection, beginning in November, and the installation of a biomass boiler capable of running on both gas and wood. This boiler is fuelled by wood obtained from the pruning of the numerous trees on the premises; by producing cleaner energy, it limits maintenance costs, leading to an estimated annual economic saving of approximately two thousand euros. The switching on and off of the air conditioning in the offices is regulated by a timer with a minimum set temperature of 24°C. Click here to download the press review.
