Sustainable building isn’t just for the private sector. More and more federal construction projects are now requiring third party sustainable certifications on new building projects. The new Warrior in Transition (WT) Barracks at Fort Hood, Texas is one of them. The Fort Hood WT incorporates a number of sustainable features, which will help it achieve LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
The facility has public transportation access and features special parking for low-emitting/fuel-efficient vehicles. Inside, the nearly 193,000-square-foot, five-story building utilizes an energy efficient HVAC system and Energy Star equipment to reduce energy usage by 30 percent or more.
Other sustainable features include on-site renewable energy, a cool roof, and native and draught tolerant landscaping, which will reduce irrigation needs.
During construction over 75 percent of all construction waste was recycled and diverted from local landfills.
When complete later this month, the Fort Hood WT Barracks will house 320 personnel in shared living modules consisting of separate bedrooms with shared bath and kitchen areas.