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Tyndall Fitness Center awarded LEED Platinum rating

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel
  • 325 FW/PA
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Tyndall Fitness Center unveiled the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum level plaque depicting the rating during an award dedication ceremony at the Tyndall Fitness Center, Aug. 17.

The fitness center received the platinum level rating in April 2011. The platinum rating is the highest rating possible under the group's green building rating system. The fitness center opened Aug. 20, 2010 and is the first building in the Air Force to earn this rating.

"Today we gather to celebrate a first in the Air Force event and an outstanding achievement for Tyndall Air Force Base, our new fitness center's recognition as a LEED platinum facility by the U.S. Green Building Council," said 1st Lt. Anthony Stegman, the narrator for the ceremony.

The fitness center uses nearly 40 percent less water by utilizing low and ultra-low fixtures. The facility had drought tolerant landscaping that allows for no permanent irrigation system and nine percent of the facility's energy costs are provided by renewable energy generated on the roof via solar panels and solar-generated hot water.

"The facility was designed to the U.S. Green Building Council's strict leadership in energy and environmental design platinum rating standards," said Brig. Gen. James Browne, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "The design work was performed by Post, Buckley, Schuh, and Jernigan Inc. and the construction was performed by Carothers Construction."

"They were supported by 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" General Browne added. "Together their work has culminated into this recognition by achieving 54 out of 54 points available to us; remarkable teamwork!"

Workers broke ground on the $19 million facility in October 2008. To meet additional LEED standards, engineers used construction materials containing 39 percent recycled content that could be found within a 500-mile radius of the base, a move that reduces the energy costs and usage associated with long-distance transportation.

"Much thanks to Mr. Lou South, the fitness director, and to the staff for allowing this dedication ceremony to happen before my change of command," said General Browne. "I've been in the Air Force more than 20 years and I can truly say they are doing a tremendous job here."