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Tyndall unveils award-winning "green" fitness center

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall AFB opened the first building within the Air Force expected to reach the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum level; the highest rating possible under the group's green building rating system, Aug. 20.

The construction team consisted of contractors, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment, and the 325th Force Support Squadron. The design of the structure was recognized by the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment with a Merit Award for Concept Design.

Additionally, a July 2007 Air Force Sustainable Design and Development policy memorandum from Maj. Gen. Del Eulberg, Air Force Civil Engineer, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington D.C., declared all Air Force construction projects should use the U.S. GBC's LEED rating system as a self-assessment metric, with the goal of having all Air Force vertical construction projects that began by Fiscal Year 2009 capable of achieving LEED Silver certification, the second highest rating on the LEED scale.

Brian Allen, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron mechanical engineer and project manager, said the facility would account for $45,000 in annual energy cost savings, compared to a similar sized building without the same energy saving features.

"Tyndall is committed to being a leader within the Air Force and the community for sustainability and environmental stewardship," Mr. Allen said. "This will be the first platinum facility in the Bay County area and Air Force-wide."

According to Air Force officials, energy consumption will be more than 40 percent less than a typical building of the same size. Water consumption will also be more than 40 percent less by utilizing low and ultra-low fixtures. The facility will boast native, drought tolerant landscaping that allows for no permanent irrigation system, and nine percent of the facility's energy costs will be provided by renewable energy generated on the roof via solar panels and solar-generated hot water.

To meet additional LEED standards, engineers used construction materials found within a 500 mile radius of the base, reducing the energy costs and usage associated with long-distance transportation.

"Over 40 percent of the materials purchased for the project have recycled content and over 35 percent of the materials purchased for the project were extracted, processed, and manufactured within 500 miles of Tyndall," Mr. Allen said.

Furthermore, the building was constructed to withstand a Category 3 Hurricane with 130 mile-per-hour winds.

"Throughout construction, close teamwork and coordination ensured that the project stayed on track and in compliance with LEED standards," said Brig. Gen. James Browne, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "These facilities will, without a doubt, improve the quality of life for members of team Tyndall and their families."

The new fitness center is situated on 8.7 acres near 19 neighborhood services within a half mile radius. Bike racks will provide secure storage and premium parking has been established for low-emitting, fuel efficient or alternative fuel vehicles.

The new building is within walking distance of Tyndall AFB's current fitness center, a 23,175-square-foot facility built in 1975 that is scheduled for demolition. In the new building construction officials minimized volatile organic compounds to help maintain a healthy indoor environment.

"The LEED Platinum facility provides a healthy environment to maintain the 'Fit to Fight' slogan," Mr. Allen said.

Lou South, 325th Force Support Squadron fitness center director, said the new fitness center, allows them to add two additional personnel to their staff, but will retain the same hours as the old facility.

"The center will be staffed by 15 personnel and open 112 hours per week," said Mr. South. "It is expected to serve more than 900 people a day."

Another feature of the gym is the Health and Wellness Center, which will move into the new building and provide personal counseling on healthy eating habits, tobacco cessation and healthy lifestyle advice supporting the Air Force's focus on Airmen being 'Fit to Fight.'