Tyndall unveils award-winning "green" fitness center

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Tyndall opened the first building in the U.S. Air Force that is 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.

In addition, 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 that 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.

Mr. 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," said Mr. Allen. "This will be the first Platinum facility in Bay County 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 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.

"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, it is 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.

It is within walking distance of Tyndall'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," said Mr. Allen.

Lou South, 325th Force Support Squadron fitness center director, said the new fitness center will add two additional personnel to the 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."

"It'll just be a lot more square footage to cover," he added, noting that the cardio room would mean the inclusion of more aerobic, spinning and martial arts programs at the new center.

New equipment for the fitness center will cost about $500,000, Mr. South said.

He said most of the old equipment will be turned into the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office, but some of the barbells and dumbbells from the old facility would be moved to the new fitness center.

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, quitting tobacco use and healthy lifestyle advice supporting the Air Force's focus on Airmen being 'Fit to Fight.'

Workers broke ground on the 75,000-square-foot, $19 million facility in October 2008. The hours of operation will be 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on holidays. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.