Joint Security Forces Facility — Selfridge Air National Guard Base

Mount Clemens, Michigan

Selfridge Base Civil Engineering required a new environmentally friendly Joint Security Forces facility to house Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve (ANG/AFRC) Security Forces personnel. This facility was designed for a Silver rating in the US Army Corps of Engineers’ LEED^© based Sustainable Project Rating Tool (SPiRiT).

One of the ways the Joint ANG/AFRC Security Forces Facility achieved a Silver design rating was by utilizing environmentally friendly construction materials in the design. Building materials were derived from local sources, building waste was minimized and recycled to the maximum extent, and wood products were obtained from Forest Stewardship Council certified suppliers. Many of the materials specified also included a minimum weighted average of 20 percent post consumer recycled or 40 percent post industrial weighted average content.

HVAC systems were also considered in the Silver design rating. All HVAC systems were connected to a Direct Digital Control (DDC) system to monitor and optimize building energy use. Building natural gas, electricity, and water consumption rates were also monitored and trended to identify areas of significant energy consumption. To ensure adequate building indoor air quality, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) ventilation control system was included in the design. Humidity control and monitoring through the DDC system was also included to ensure maximum occupant comfort and productivity.

Consideration of site design and location also played a major part in achieving the Silver rating. The building is located in an area close to existing development and transportation infrastructure. The facility is located on a site that can easily take advantage of local bike paths and a natural gas alternative fuel re-fueling station.