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Energy Action Month: JBA energy team teach Airmen about energy, Jones building

  • Published
  • By 1st. Lt. Ashleigh Peck
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  In honor of Energy Action Month, a national campaign led by the Department of Energy, the Joint Base Andrews energy team conducted a tour of the William A. Jones III Building Oct. 12 at JBA, Md.

The tour of the Jones Building was one of many events planned throughout October to educate Airmen on the ways JBA has reduced its energy costs and how Airmen can conserve energy with environmentally-friendly habits.

"Since fiscal year 2003, we have reduced our energy intensity by 49 percent," said Myra Sinnott, Air Force District of Washington resource efficiency manager.

The construction of the Jones Building was one of the ways JBA has reduced its energy spending. Even before the beginning of its construction in 2009, the base ensured the Jones Building was environmentally-friendly by designing it to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified.

"LEED is a third-party program that certifies that a building conserves energy and water, reduces waste, provides a safer and healthier atmosphere for occupants, and lowers operating costs," said Sinnott.

Low-flow showers, automatic sinks, motion sensors for lights, reduction of outlets, bike racks, parking lot island sand filters, recycling bins and the green roof were some of the LEED requirements Building Manager Bailey Jenkins pointed out during the tour. He also highlighted how the actual construction of the building played a part in the LEED certification.

"Ninety percent of the waste from the construction of the building was recycled," said Jenkins. "We also got points for LEED certification because we didn't have to travel far to get our materials, reducing the amount of gas we used."

The day concluded with a tour of the green roof.

"In addition to supporting wildlife, the green roof reduces cooling costs in the summer months, reduces noise levels, helps filter out dust and smog particles and helps protect from the climatic weather," Sinnott said. "Where snow and rain would crack the concrete, the green roof is actually increasing the life expectancy of the roof."

With this year's theme, "I am Air Force Energy," the JBA energy team is offering another opportunity for Airmen and their families to learn about the LEED-certified buildings at JBA.
The team will conduct a tour of the Jacob E. Smart Building Oct. 29 at 11:00 a.m. The 45-minute tour is open to all base occupants including children accompanied by an adult.

For information or questions about the JBA energy tours, contact Myra Sinnott at 240-612-6236 or myra.sinnott.ctr@afncr.af.mil.