The Defense Department may be the single largest energy consumer on the planet, but it can be the greatest energy conserver, too. That's according to Kevin Geiss, deputy assistant of energy for the Air Force, in a new video called "The Five Things Every Airman Should Know About Energy."

Airmen are critical to the Air Force's energy conservation and efficiency plans, since maintenance and flight patterns can have as much influence on consumption as new engines and renewable fuel sources.

"We're trying to get our airmen to understand the importance of energy, so that they can be a part of the solution as well," Geiss said.

Energy conservation is an important part of the Air Force's cost-cutting initiatives.

He also highlighted the Los Angeles Air Force Base in California, which will convert to a 100-percent electric-vehicle fleet this month, and the Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, which uses wind-powered electricity.

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