Officials a
t Keesler AFB, Ms., yesterday received the first of more than 700 certified environmentally friendly homes that will be built on the base. The Air Force said in a release the two-unit home, which is built to leadership in energy and environmental design standards, incorporates smart design, technology, construction, and maintenance features. These attributes include 20 percent to 30 percent greater energy efficiency compared to standard homes, the use of water-conserving plumbing and durable building materials, and open outdoor spaces to encourage walking and other outdoor activities. “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, commander of the base’s 81st Mission Support Group. Keesler’s housing project is the largest LEED-certified project in the nation. The base, which sustained much damage in 2005 from Hurricane Katrina, is also the Air Force’s first to have LEED-certified homes.
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