Enduring environmental endeavors Published April 29, 2013 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Celebrated for more than two decades at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Earth Day and Arbor Day festivities took place with a 5K race, tree planting ceremony and energy conservation awareness education booths, April 22-25. Though these observances give people a time to focus on being environmentally friendly, the Green Initiative is a yearlong practice at Cannon, especially for members of the 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron. During base construction and landscaping, environmental concerns are taken into consideration, said Jake Madril, 27 SOCES solid waste program manager. After a request to construct a new building is submitted, the design is based not only on mission needs, but also the surrounding natural resources. "Building Green Initiatives are important, not only because they are mandated by government, but sustainable design and construction saves the Earth's precious resources, offer better quality of life for those who inhabit these buildings and provide energy efficient facilities that will save the Government money in the future," said Shelly Schmidt, 27 SOCES project manager. "Building green is not a gimmick. It actually helps provide a better environment for those who work and live in sustainable buildings." Through the efforts of the 27 SOCES, and its Energy Management Control System, which allow operators to view and control the inner workings of an energy consuming system, Cannon is able to stay environmentally friendly and cost effective at the same time. "The future of Cannon is definitely greener to say the least," said Madril. "Our facilities will last longer; our natural resources will be preserved; our energy consumption will be low and, just as important, our quality of life, health and safety will be improved."