LEED and they will follow: Keesler 'goes green' with new housing construction

Published Aug. 27, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Tanya Holditch and 1st Lt. Nick Plante
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AFB, MISS. -- The Air Force's first certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design home was
highlighted at a ceremony, 10:45 a.m. today in Northwest Falcon Park.

This new green two-unit home at 244 and 246 Fairchild Dr., Biloxi Miss., the first of 748 to be built at Keesler, incorporates smart design, technology, construction and maintenance features that both reduce the impact on the environment and make it a healthier place for the people living there.

"Our housing project not only shows that we want the best quality of living for our
Airmen, but also shows we lead the way in energy efficiency," said Col. Jeffrey Jackson,
81st Mission Support Group commander. "The project is a prime example of how construction should be carried out so it is the best for our Air Force and the environment"

For a green home to become LEED certified, it must be inspected by an independent
third party, who rates its performance in such categories as the home's indoor air quality, its energy efficiency, the use of water-conserving plumbing, the durability of its building materials and the sustainability of the building site. Credit for LEED certification also considers whether there are open spaces to encourage walking and other outdoor activities that lead to better overall health for its residents.

"LEED encourages sustainable green building and development. LEED buildings cost less to operate and maintain, are energy and water efficient, and will reduce dependence on foreign oil," said David Horner, 81st Civil Engineer Squadron project management office.

All Keesler green homes will be Energy Star compliant, which means they will follow
Environmental Protection Agency guidelines, which make them 20-30 percent more energy efficient than standard homes.

The development of green homes at Keesler is the largest LEED-certified project in the
nation, and makes Keesler the first Air Force installation to have LEED-certified homes.

"We are very proud of this accomplishment and the projection of future LEED certifications that will be provided in the Air Force," said Mr. Horner.