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Sheppard applies C3 to new facility construction

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Meredith Dilley
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 82nd Civil Engineering Squadron has truly taken the idea of a "Cost-Conscious Culture", or C3, to heart by incorporating money-saving, greener and more efficient building methods to accomplish its mission.

Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training's new Operations Group facility, which will have its ribbon cutting ceremony on September 5th, is just one example of that mindset.  The new building's overall utility savings is estimated at 50 percent, as well as increased sustainability through its unique design.

The 82nd CES, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, collaborated with the 80th Flying Training Wing to create a new kind of building to house most of the operational functions of ENJJPT, something which has been needed since its inception in 1981.

The $14.3 million, 43,000 square-foot facility is the first of a three phases ENJJPT Complex for the 80th FTW, and will house a new auditorium, training classrooms, scheduling and many of the other components needed to run ENJJPT on a daily basis.

Phase two and three aim to build a new wing headquarters building and Flying Training Squadron facility.

"It's a completely different construction method than anything we've done," said USACE project manager David Hudson. The structure is built with insulated concrete forms, which combine the framework, walls and insulation of a building all in one package. Further, the building's walls are sixteen inches thick, giving it protection from winds up to 200 mph, which in tornado alley, may prove useful.

This new style of construction has the added benefit of sustainability. Most of the buildings constructed on base have an estimated lifespan of sixty years. The Operations Group Facility is expected to last 100 years.

In addition, the building itself will have lower maintenance costs due to its construction. With only two seams in the entire structure, the building will not sink or settle. Along with the composite roof, efficient windows and environmentally-friendly light fixtures, overall utility savings are estimated at 50 percent over traditional methods.

The facility is also the first Leadership in Engineering and Environmental Design certified building on base, earning a silver rating. The LEED program measures sustainability in building, including water and energy efficiency, materials and overall design.

"It's the most energy efficient building at Sheppard," said Hudson. "Even the parking lot is designed to encourage low-emission vehicles."

These components, which range from light fixtures and plumbing to parking signs and recycling programs, combine to earn the building the overall silver LEED rating. While the materials for LEED certified buildings are generally more expensive, the savings over time will more than make up for the additional cost.

This new method of construction will be used as a model for future work on base, including later phases of construction in the 80th FTW.

The emphasis is "sustainability and efficiency" according to Mark McBurnett, director of the 82nd CES. By making the right choices now, the wing can reduce utility costs, save on maintenance, have longer building life and increase the comfort of those working on base.

The new facility will be fully operational in the middle of September.