AAFES will celebrate the Army's first post exchange designed to achieve Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) at a grand opening ceremony at Fort Polk, La., April 29. That will be followed by the first LEED shoppette at Fort Bragg, N.C., in June and then a lifestyle center at Fort [image-nocss] Bliss, Texas, in October.
The very first LEED exchange actually opened at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, on March 5. The base exchangedesigned to use energy-saving materials, more efficient lighting and improved recycling processesis expected to receive LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council within the year, AAFES said.
The LEED certification program is an internationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings.
"We take very seriously the impact our facilities have on the environment," said Colonel Virgil Williams, AAFES chief of staff. "Using excess energy and failing to recycle is not only wasteful and costly but also a burden on the Earth. AAFES is doing its part to set high 'green' standards for the Department of Defense and the next generation of exchange shoppers."
Some of the key energy-saving features of a LEED certified exchange include:
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in showcases use less energy and generate brighter lighting. Food court restaurants with energy-efficient walk-in coolers that use 27% less energy. The energy management system coordinates heating, ventilating, air conditioning and lighting systems in unison to improve energy efficiency and reduce overall costs. Low "gallons per flush" toilets and waterless urinals. Roofing membranes reflect 78% of light/ultraviolet rays to keep buildings cooler and reduce energy costs. In 2009, AAFES designed 30 construction projects to meet LEED standards. Projects range from BXs/Post Exchanges, shoppettes (convenience stores), to mini-malls and restaurants.
Not only does the environment benefit from the high "green" standards at which the facilities will operate, but thousands of dollars are saved in utility costs, AAFES officials said.
Dallas-based AAFES operates more than 3,100 facilities worldwide, in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories and 50 states. AAFES operates some 174 main stores and more than 1,300 fast-food restaurants, such as Taco Bell, Burger King, Popeyes and Cinnabon. AAFES also provides military communities with convenience, specialty stores and movie theaters on installations worldwide, including locations in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
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