Defense Communities July August 2015

Defense

THE MAGAZINE OF MILITARY HOUSING, LODGING & LIFESTYLES

COMMUNITIES JULY/AUGUST 2015

Three principles of water savings that consistently manage risk page 14

Resident-friendly sustainability goals with longevity in mind page 18

www.phma.com

Tips for creating and managing an Energy Savings Plan page 24

New green certification available for military residential construction

Solar Strong

Lincoln Military Housing partners with the Navy to secure renewable energy

page 26

CONTENTS SPECIAL SECTION LIVING GREEN

18 12 Finding Solutions Together

Lincoln Military Housing has partnered with the Navy to reduce energy consumption and create sustainable living environments for Service members and their families.

By Ashley Gorski Poole

14 The XYZs of Water Savings

Balfour Beatty Communities employs a set of simple water management principles that help to manage risk and boost bottom lines across its portfolio.

By Tabitha Crawford, CEM, CDSM, and Bob Mooney, LEED ID&C, PMP

24 26 Moving Beyond LEED

National Green Building Standard now offers a flexible-yet-rigorous green certification program that can be applied to military communities and offer a return on investment for generations to come.

By Curt Savoy

30 Challenging High Energy Costs

By utilizing creative energy savings solutions, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station has made great strides toward the goal of reducing energy use by 3 percent each year.

By Major Matt Heinsler

18 People-Focused

Lend Lease has implemented sustainability goals in new, innovative ways to ensure that its work remains relevant throughout the life of its 50-year partnerships.

By Lacey Purcell Jamison

22 Small Steps, Big Change

IHG’s global initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of energy, water, waste, and carbon emissions at 4,900 hotels around the world.

By Lisa MacInnis

24 Lights Are On But Nobody’s Home?

Creating an energy savings plan is an easy way to bring energy usage awareness to housing teams as well as reduce costs, save natural resources, and improve the environment.

By Jeffrey Dodig

2 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

FEATURES 32 Play for All

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has introduced a sustainable and highly accessible playground with unique play areas, picnic areas, and more for Service members and their families residing on base.

By Eric Torrey

34 Waste Not, Want Not

Facing California drought season, local property managers are taking measures to help residential communities reduce water consumption and increase awareness of sustainable practices statewide.

Defense

THE MAGAZINE OF MILITARY HOUSING, LODGING & LIFESTYLES

July/August 2015 u Volume 26, Number 4 u www.phma.com

COMMUNITIES A Publication of the Pro­fes­sion­al Hous­ing Man­age­ment Association

36 Flooring for the Future

From viable pre- and post-consumer material products to old flooring reclamation, countless programs throughout the flooring industry have taken sustainability from a trend to a staple.

By Cait Pustelak

38 Partnering for Fun

Play Mart is dedicated to producing fun, attractive, and long-lasting playgrounds that can withstand hard daily use in housing areas, parks, and schools.

By Tabitha Sani

40 Bugs Be Gone

By combining a powerful, all-natural insecticide with aromatherapy ingredients, United Laboratories has created a product that is a strong, safe, and green option for pest control in residential communities.

By Eric D. Frazier

n Housing Spotlights, page 6 n Services Corner, page 10

DEPARTMENTS PHMA President Del Eulberg discusses change, challenges, and the opportunities they afford PHMA and the greater military housing profession.

Josephine Rossi Barbara Sincere Christine Umbrell Janelle Welch Alison Bashian

Publishing Offices PO Box 223056 Chantilly, VA 20153-3056 703-662-5828 Advertising Sales Manager Alison Bashian 800/335-7500; fax 440/232-0398 alisonb@contentcommunicators.com Editorial Office 15004 NE 11th Street, Vancouver, WA 98684 571/594-1730 phmadefensecommunities@earthlink.net PHMA Office 154 Fort Evans Road, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 703/771-1888; fax 703/771-0299 phmaoffice@earthlink.net www.phma.com Executive Director Jon R. Moore

Don’t miss these departments:

4 President’s Message

Publisher Editor Production Assoc.

Art Director Ad Sales Manager

42 Military Marketplace 44 Corporate Sustaining Members

46 Ad Index

ABOUT THE COVER: Village at NTC, a Lincoln Military Housing community in San Diego. Photo by Bonnie New.

Please send your articles for Defense Communities to Barbara Sincere at phmadefensecommunities@earthlink.net.

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Defense Communities magazine is designed to keep those who operate and manage the whole spectrum of military housing and facilities maintenance informed on the industry’s latest technology, products, and services. It provides a forum for members to share lessons learned, news and events, and training opportunities and updates.

JULY | AUGUST 2015 3

H OUS I NG S P OT L I GHTS

NAVY

Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal Awarded to Bachelor Housing Manager Barstow, California

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or Marines stationed in remote locations, being single and living in Bachelor Housing (BH) becomes even more important because where else is there to go? Other than a few entertainment choices, Marines have to travel a long way to do much else. So, the living conditions in their rooms and in the lounge areas are essential.

One Marine has taken it upon himself to improve BH operations for Marines stationed at Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB) located near Barstow, California, by ensuring that they enjoy the best possible quality of life in BH, thanks to his attention to detail. As the BH manager and supply clerk assigned to Headquarters Battalion, MCLB, Corporal Steve A. Rodriguez makes sure that when things are not right, they are fixed or replaced in a timely manner. He also follows up by ensuring that each time data is entered into the enterprise Military Housing (eMH) property management system, it is accurate. As a junior noncommissioned officer (NCO), Corporal Rodriguez is solely responsible for the day-to-day management of BH operations in at MCLB, which includes key control, room assignments, furnishings inventory, maintenance, and data entry.

As a result of his hard work and attention to detail, the BH data at MCLB is the most accurate in the program.

On April 17, 2015, for his meticulous attention to detail and data base accuracy, Corporal Rodriguez was awarded a Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The medal was presented to him

by Major General Juan G. Ayala, assistant deputy commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), Commander,

6 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

Corporal Steve A. Rodriguez

Marine Corps Installations Command (COMMCICOM), Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington, D.C. While attending the MCICOM Bachelor Housing Oversight Board, a chartered board chaired

by Commander MCICOM and cochaired by the Sergeant Major of the

Marine Corps, Corporal Rodriguez was stunned when he was presented with the award. “Corporal Rodriguez distinguished himself by facilitating the high accuracy of occupancy data across the Marine Corps utilizing an often complex property management system,” said Major General Ayala. “His tenacious approach to balance policy with common sense resulted in an increased quality of life standard for the Marines he supported. As one of the most junior Bachelor Housing managers within the Enterprise, Rodriguez consistently responded to headquarters Marine Corps data calls and tasks with accurate and timely information expediting decisions at the HQMC level.”

Corporal Rodriguez felt he was just doing what Marines are supposed to do: improvise, adapt, and overcome. “I was very surprised when I got it. I was also shocked because I was only doing what needed to be done. I feel that I’ve accomplished something and keep pushing forward. Also, it’s nice to know someone took notice in all the hard work that goes into bachelor housing.”

When Corporal Rodriguez first

“Corporal Rodriguez distinguished himself by facilitating the high accuracy of occupancy data across the Marine Corps utilizing an often complex property management system.”

—Major General Juan G. Ayala

H OUS I NG S P OT L I GHTS

took over the BH program on MCLB, nothing was done right, he explained.

Also, data was not being correctly reported to HQMC. “In the eMH system, there is data that can be used

by Headquarters Marine Corps to determine a couple of things,” said the Rialto, California, native, “such as the buildings being overcrowded and what units are living in Bachelor Housing. When I took over, Headquarters Marine Corps wasn’t getting our correct information. So, I had to reconfigure our numbers and make sure they were getting what was needed.”

However, getting to this point in the BH manager’s program wasn’t an easy task, emphasized Master Sgt. Roydrick Jackson, base supply chief and barracks staff non-commissioned officer of the bachelor hous-

NAVY

ing on MCLB Barstow. “The program has improved a lot,” he said. “After spending time with the program, Corporal Rodriguez really got a good grasp of how to do the job. He worked really hard to update the system and provide accurate and consistent data. What made the difference in his success was his ability to focus and spend the time on his duties as the BH manager,” explained Jackson.

“On multiple inspections he was the only one not to get a hit on his program. The same inspector asked Corporal Rodriguez if he could use his program as the model for other bases to emulate,” said Jackson.

This was certainly one of the highest compliments paid to Corporal Rodriguez’s dedication.

Corporal Rodriguez’s work ethic and devotion to his job have given

Marines in BH at MCLB something to look forward to when they get “home.” “When I get off work and come to the barracks, I don’t have to worry about anything,” said Pfc. Jacob Williams, administrative clerk with HQBN on MCLB Barstow.

“Since I’ve been here, Corporal Rodriguez has always made sure that if something is broken, he will fix it in a timely manner. Also, he makes sure that we always have what we need to live comfortably.”

Since receiving the award, Corporal Rodriguez now aims to step up his BH program to reach 100 percent accuracy in the information he relays to HQMC on a daily basis. Congratulations to Corporal Rodriguez, and a special thanks to him for his service to his country and other Marines. n

Defense

THE MAGAZINE OF MILITARY HOUSING, LODGING & LIFESTYLES

COMMUNITIES

www.phma.com

Help Defense Communities Plan for 2016 It is hard to believe that we are halfway through 2015 and this is the July/August issue of Defense Communities! I am delighted to be the editor and I am thoroughly enjoying the relationships with everyone from the Department of Defense, our housing and lodging privatization partners, and our vendors. Thank you for your continued support of PHMA! I am already looking ahead at 2016, and need new and fresh ideas for topics that the publication can focus on and share with our members. No one knows better than all of you in the housing business what we need to talk about. So, please take a few minutes to send me a note and let me know what you want to write about next year. I also want personally acknowledge and thank everyone who has taken the time to contribute articles so far this year.

Barbara Sincere Editor, Defense Communities

8 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

SE R V IC E S C ORNER

Renovation Brings ‘Wow’ Factor to Marine Corps Inn at Camp Lejeune

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Photo: Public Affairs Office, Camp Lejeune

e believe that offering guests a soft place to land helps ensure a sense of comfort and relieve the everyday stressors of travel, whether their stay is for temporary duty or in conjunction with a permanent change of station. It is with that belief in mind that the Marine Corps recently completed a renovation project at The All Points Inn at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The revamped entryway is a welcoming visual representation of the accommodations offered by the inn. The project incorporated the latest styles of furniture, accessories, artwork, and flooring to ensure the lodging property is an inviting place where guests will want to stay.

When guests enter the lobby, they are greeted by sophisticated design elements, from upscale furniture to ceramic flooring. Simple details, such as the replacement of the handrail

Ribbon-cutting ceremony

10 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

end caps and radiator covers, also were included in the project. Beautiful artwork and plantation window blinds complete this area of the renovation.

The existing front desk was completely removed and the old oak countertop was replaced with mahogany.

An ergonomically configured granite countertop added both beauty and versatility to the space, and a handicapped accessible counter was installed for those guests who may require the use of a wheelchair.

The large, two-way glass window behind the front desk was replaced with a doorway, flanked on both sides by matching cabinets with granite countertops. New artwork and flooring throughout complete this area of the renovation. A matching computer station was installed adjacent to the front desk for the

convenience of guests, and again, new artwork and two computer chairs were added for the comfort of guests.

Now, guests can access the Internet Café directly from the front desk area or from the side hallway, and they are welcomed by beautiful mahogany archways that accent the café’s entry points. The outdated breakfast bar area, refrigerator, and sink were completely removed to make way for a guest convenience counter, which features a granite countertop and stainless steel sink. Guests can choose to sit at the computer tables or in the occasional chairs with laptop tables. In addition to the new furniture, artwork, and flooring, ceiling fans and plantation window blinds were included in this space to complete the renovation. The Internet Café doorway is directly adjacent to the updated vending room, where another archway was installed for continuity. New vending machines were installed to provide guests with a larger variety of food choices throughout the day and night. A matching guest convenience counter, granite countertop, artwork, new flooring, and new plantation window blinds complete the renovation of the vending room.

In December 2014, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the project. The Marine Corps is proud and excited to announce its completion and welcome visitors to the All Points Inn at Camp Lejeune. This is just one of many projects designed and funded to improve facilities for our Marines and their families. n

SPECIAL SECTION LIVING GREEN

Finding Solutions Together Lincoln Military Housing and the Navy collaborate with residents to achieve eco-friendly housing

Photo: Bonnie New

L

Village at NTC, a Lincoln Military Housing community in San Diego.

12 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

ast year the Department of the Navy, along with Lincoln Military Housing and SolarCity, signed a power purchase agreement to begin installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on nearly 6,000 homes across 27 privatized neighborhoods in the San Diego region. This deal is one of SolarCity’s largest residential undertakings under its SolarStrong Initiative.

The venture is part of a larger plan proposed by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to produce or procure 1 gigawatt of renewable energy by the end of 2015. “Securing renewable energy is a top priority across the Department of the Navy and is crucial to ensuring both mission resilience and cost savings in the decades to come,” said Mabus. In 2009, Congress mandated that the Department of Defense (DoD) produce or procure 25 percent of total DoD facility energy from renewable resources by 2025. The Department of the Navy took the early initiative and has begun implementing strategies in order to reach its long-term goal.

Together with San Diego Family Housing, LLC, which is made up of Lincoln Military Housing and Clark San Diego, LLC, the Navy will purchase all electricity produced by the solar PV systems at a lower cost, saving at least $60 million that will be reinvested in our military residential communities over the long term. As a result, military families living in our homes will be the real beneficiaries of the program’s energy and cost savings. Lincoln continually seeks out opportunities to procure solar panels for other regions. In addition to its new solar program, Lincoln provides several resources to encourage residents to reduce their cost of energy and lessen their impact on the environment. “For the last few years, we have worked closely with the Department of the Navy to find a renewable energy program which will greatly benefit our military families and support our Navy partner in reaching its renewable energy goals,” said Jarl Bliss, president of Lincoln Military Housing.

In support of the DoD’s Resident Energy Conservation Program, Lincoln launched the website LincolnRECP.com, which provides useful energy saving tips as well as a home energy survey that residents are encouraged to take in order

Photos: Bonnie New

(Left) Chesterton neighborhood, one of the 35 Lincoln Military Housing communities within the San Diego Naval Complex.

(Below) Village at NTC, a Lincoln Military Housing community in San Diego.

to identify energy saving opportunities. For residents who qualify, Lincoln will provide a free in-home energy audit. By using engaging activities, such as an interactive online coloring book, Lincoln is working to educate its youngest residents on how they can do their part to conserve and join the effort.

Living Green Lincoln’s Living Green Program is a fun and rewarding program that encourages residents to live green in all aspects of life, including utility consumption. Monthly programs and events that offer prizes, such as reusable water bottles, a bookmark you can plant, and reusable shopping bags, are free to participants and help them practice green living. Some popular events include turning in plastic water bottles; recycling batteries; recycling used children’s books; coloring contests about conservation; and attending Living Green expos, where vendors show how their services adhere to green principles. Lincoln also has introduced a “green” mascot who is dressed in 500 used plastic bags to represent how many plastic bags the average person discards in a year.

Lincoln continues to identify and test new opportunities that contribute to energy savings. One example is a pilot program with the eco-consultant at Waste Management to increase Lincoln’s recycling versus waste ratio at Murphy Canyon. These best practices ensure that Lincoln continues its green profile. The company also purchases all Energy Star appliances, and installs Smart Controls for pool heating systems that have resulted in electrical savings and gas savings. Lincoln includes these practices in its own offices and maintenance programs as well. Irrigation systems are routinely checked to ensure

they are operating efficiently and to minimize any potential run-off. Project building maintenance personnel make sure that any cracks around windows and weather stripping are repaired in order to lower energy costs in residents’ homes. Lincoln employees also incorporate these practices and programs daily by recycling all paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic; and by opening window shades to reduce electric lighting needs.

Each green initiative that Lincoln pursues is part of a greater effort to help its residents embrace the green lifestyle and learn to be more aware of their impact on our environment. Lincoln’s partnership with the Navy continues to grow, as we all work together toward the same goal of reducing energy consumption and creating green, sustainable living environments for Service members and their families. n For more information about Lincoln Military Housing, visit http://lincolnmilitary.com.

JULY | AUGUST 2015 13

Photo: Courtesy of Balfour Beatty Communities

SPECIAL SECTION LIVING GREEN

The XYZs of Water Savings How smart management choices can help boost profits

By Tabitha Crawford, CEM, CDSM, and Bob Mooney, LEED ID&C, PMP

U

ltimately, good business comes down to simple benefits and costs—how much is earned or how much is saved. “Sustainability” can be overused to mean anything from helping a neighbor to building energy-efficient facilities to simply recycling. What we, at Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC), think it means is making smart decisions about today to make sure the company thrives in the future. As natural resources, such as water, become scarce, they create larger economic risks for property owners and managers.

Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the building industry, BBC has collaborated on several special projects, such as the smart-tech “Living Buildings” program demonstrated at the White House last year. This article will outline several principles of water savings that BBC has used to con14 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

sistently manage risks within its multi-family housing communities portfolio.

In his time as a project director for 3,368 single- and multi-family dwellings near Denver, Colorado, Bob Mooney, LEED ID&C, PMP, constantly received environmental and budgetary pressures to conserve water. Faced with regional droughts and skyrocketing water costs in Colorado, project management felt compelled to explore water-saving initiatives. Over time and through many trials and lessons learned, the team determined the three key steps to reducing water consumption and reducing expenses. They are as follows: 1. Consider xeriscaping: Whether you are creating a new landscape or refreshing an existing one, opt for native species of plants, which require 30 to 50 percent less irriga-

tion than standard landscaping. Plants are typically chosen based on widespread popularity, but they should be selected for hardiness, durability, and natural adaptability to climate variations. Here are a few quick tips to follow: • Trees and shrubs often are selected for their size, shape, and popularity rather than natural water and heat requirements; therefore, they end up requiring high maintenance or, worse, dying. In the Nashville area, for example, white pine trees were used to line roadways leading to the international airport; however, nearly all have perished within a period of less than a decade because of warming climates for extended seasons in the area.

• Varieties of grass will make a significant financial difference. By changing sod specifications for new housing areas at Balfour Beatty’s Colorado-based multi-family site, overall water demand was reduced by 64 percent, resulting in a reduction of 946,555 gallons of water per month—equivalent to the average household daily use of 3,640 households.

• In extreme climates, such as desert areas, using low-

Up to 10 percent of water consumption for landlords is reliant on resident habits. water-tolerant plants is critical. As an alternative, replacing plant life with natural stones in creative ways is becoming widely acceptable in these areas and beyond.

2. Say “yes” to conservation: Behavioral change is critical to reducing water usage. Up to 10 percent of water consumption for landlords is reliant on resident habits.

Balfour Beatty Communities has an on-going LifeWorks program that brings together residents for activities centered on energy and water conservation. Tabitha Crawford has worked with more than a dozen multi-family commu-

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Defense Communities nities to conduct resident behavior change conservation Salsbury faucet while brushing your teeth can save up to 2,400 galIndustries programs, yielding results of 15 percent for energy sav- lons each year. ings (without retrofits). Education truly is the first step in changing habits in the home, and each decision residents make to conserve adds up. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, simply turning off the

3. Waste zero water: By deploying smart water irriga-

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ties installed smart technology to reduce water consumption, the benefits were quickly realized. With the push of a few buttons, the property management team could shut down the system during heavy rains and save thousands of gallons of water in the process—as opposed to having to drive around the property and manually turn off and on more than 100 timers to accomplish the same task.

This initiative both saved manpower and reduced wasteful watering during significant weather events. Within one watering season, the system paid for itself, and it continues to deliver savings today. Local rebates also contributed to the quick return on investment. When choosing a system, one should investigate all potential local and federal rebates to reduce the cost of the investment. “Our company leverages innovation to reduce the consumption of waste, water, and energy within all of its military housing privatized communities,” said Chris Williams, president of Balfour Beatty Communities.

“It’s the right thing to do for both the preservation of resources and to run our business wisely.”

Since these “XYZs of Water Savings” were implemented at Fort Carson Family Housing in Colorado, Mooney has moved on to lead the Fort Bliss Family Housing in Texas. Forts Carson and Bliss are considered the Army’s only two net-zero installations, meaning that by 2020 they aim to produce as much energy as they consume and reduce waste and water use while recycling as much as possible. n Tabitha Crawford, CEM, CDSM, and Bob Mooney, LEED ID&C, PMP, work for Balfour Beatty Communities, LLC. Crawford is responsible for sustainability and innovation across Balfour Beatty Investments globally. Reach her at tcrawford@bbcgrp.com or 615/423-4581.

| FEAT U R E |

Play for All Wright-Patterson Air Force Base introduces an accessible community park that accommodates childhood creativity and imagination

By Eric Torrey

W

right-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, has added a new accessible community park (meaning it complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act) for Service members and their families in its Kitty Hawk residential area. The park is complete with playground equipment, trike track/ sidewalks and benches, accessible picnic tables, new landscaping, and designated play areas that foster and encourage creativity. The $248,000 project was funded with non-appropriated funds from the Air Force and was constructed by Tunheim Construction, based out of Morehead, Minnesota. It is just one of many accessible parks/playgrounds being built on military bases nationwide.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers specifications for this project, the components in the community park are designed to be “…accessible to children and adults with disabilities. In addition to wheelchair users, the needs of children and adults who walk with canes, walkers, or crutches; who have limited use of the upper body; who have visual or hearing disabilities; or who have developmental disabilities shall be considered. A diverse play, that includes a variety of play area components, has the greatest potential for meeting the needs of all users. Rather than developing separate handicapped play areas, integrating all children in the same play setting shall be emphasized.”

32 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

Not only did the construction of the community park meet the accessible specifications, the park also was designed to be a “nature play area.” Additional extensive landscaping; incorporation of natural materials in the construction and the play elements; and the use of equipment, site amenities, safety surfacing and mulch manufactured from recycled materials have resulted in a play area surrounded by the beauty of nature. Upon arriving at the park and walking through the new entry arbor, visitors will notice two picnic areas and two traditional playground areas—one designed for children ages 2 to 5, and the other for children ages 5 to 12. Further investigation of the park reveals there are actually seven carefully designed play areas, each containing different components and designed for specific functions. There is something appealing and exciting for every child.

Unique Elements Abound Four benches in the “Gathering Area” provide a place where children and families can sit and relax. There are six additional benches located throughout the park along the walkway. The “Climbing and Crawling Area” consists of 14 5-foot by 5-foot platforms set at various heights—from 6 inches to 12 inches— where children have an opportunity for creative play. Each platform features a ramp, which provides accessible access to all. The two “Messy Materials Areas” provide a space for children to explore and

create using natural materials, such as tree stumps, tree “cookies” (or, slices of oak), and even dirt. Children have the opportunity to dig in three large dirt-digging boxes and lift and carry heavy tree cookies from place-to-place. Tree cookies not only encourage the creation of elaborate collaborative projects, but also offer an opportunity to study the lifecycle of wood as the cookies “age” (change in color and begin to crack and break-apart over time).

There is even a “Log of Interest” for children to climb on and explore.

A level, hard-surfaced “Building Area” provides space for children to use small building materials, such as tree blocks and small tree cookies, to create imaginative structures of their own design.

Children can build their structures on the ground or on either of two raised sorting tables, built at just the right height to accommodate wheelchair access. In the “Art Area,” children use materials from nature, including pine cones, sea shells, and seed pods, to create works of art on sorting tables that also allow children in wheelchairs to work on projects with their friends and enable adults in wheelchairs to work side-by-side with their children.

Adjacent to the “Art Area” is the “Music and Movement Area,” where children can experiment with making music and expressing themselves through creative movement. This space features a stage where children can perform to their hearts’ content, as well as musical instru-

Photo: Courtesy of EcoPlay Playgrounds

ments on either side of the stage that provide lyrical inspiration. On one side is an 11-key Akambira crafted of Ipé wood that is played with mallets and a set of five cylinder drums of various diameters that provide varying tones.

Finally, a large “Open Play Area,” which is centrally located in a flat, grassy lawn, provides space for active movement and physical play. All of the equipment in the community park (benches, trash receptacles, tables, and more), including the two play structures, was provided by EcoPlay Playgrounds. The smaller play structure (for ages 2 to 5) includes eight triangle decks that step up in 6-inch increments. The structure includes four play panels, two slides, a set of three step pods, and an inclined block climber. The larger play structure (ages 5 to 12) features a wave slide, a set of five step pods, a step climber, a fire pole, and an overhead horizontal ladder.

Sustainable Materials Do you ever wonder what happens to the milk jugs that get tossed into the recycling bin? The play structures at this accessible community park are made out of EcoPlay—a proprietary product with the natural look and feel of wood that is actually 95 percent recycled, post-consumer high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic (for example, milk jugs). The material used for the two playground structures kept an equivalent of 18,900 milk jugs out of landfills. At the end of the playground’s useful life—which will be many, many years down the road, as it comes

with a 50-year warranty—the plastic portions of the play structure can be rerecycled, keeping those milk jugs out of landfills indefinitely. The same EcoPlay material was used in the manufacture of the benches and trash receptacles located in each area. In addition to the park’s storage cabinets, the stage and climbing/crawling platforms are made with pressure-treated pine support posts that

was used in several of the play areas.

From a distance the community park may not look “green,” but it is very green in all the ways it is working to create a better environment and future for our children. It is always a joy to see the results of EcoPlay’s commitment to a healthier and safer environment, especially in areas where our children can play and learn together. It has been our honor to be a

From a distance the community park may not look “green,” but it is very green in all the ways it is working to create a better environment and future for our children. have decking known as ReliaBoard from TimberTech—a composite material made of reclaimed wood fibers and a combination of recycled and virgin HDPE plastic that is often used for residential decks.

Safety surfacing beneath the play structures was provided by No Fault Sport Group of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as was the rubber mulch used in play spaces.

The safety surfacing consists of a thick “cushion” layer of shredded recycled rubber topped by a thin color layer of new non-recycled rubber. The recycled portion of the safety surfacing on this project weighed 8,865 pounds, and another 30,000 pounds of recycled rubber mulch

part of this project that has created so many unique play areas, picnic areas, open lawn, and seating options for the Service members and their families living in the Kitty Hawk residential area of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Now there is a new, extremely green and highly accessible community park for all ages to enjoy for many years to come. n Eric Torrey is a commercial playground consultant for EcoPlay Playgrounds. Reach him at erict@ecoplayplaygrounds.com or 770/591-7000. For more information about EcoPlay Playgrounds, go to ecoplayplaygrounds.com.

JULY | AUGUST 2015 33

| FEAT U R E |

Waste Not, Want Not Monterey Bay Military Housing minimizes water usage and cuts utility costs for La Mesa Village Community residents

34 DEFENSE COMMUNITIES

M

ore than 37 million people are affected by the ongoing drought in California, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and with more than 98 percent of the state enduring moderate or worse drought conditions, local property managers are taking innovative measures to help residential communities reduce water consumption and increase awareness of sustainable practices statewide.

In October 2014, property management company Monterey Bay Military Housing partnered with Sustain-Ability Solutions, a company specializing in maximizing water conservation efforts, to upgrade La Mesa Village Community (a 708-unit neighborhood) with new, high-efficiency kitchen and bath plumbing fixtures from Niagara Conservation with no upfront costs. The partnership project resulted in drastically reduced utility bills and maintenance issues for the residents of La Mesa Village. “We

are dedicated to offering multi-unit operators with seamless water conservation solutions,” said Ed Fowlkes, operations manager for SustainAbility Solutions. “By teaming up with Monterey Bay Military Housing, we are making major strides in emphasizing sustainable practices within the home and encouraging proper care of a scare resource not only in California but also nationwide.”

Impressive Installations The retrofit for La Mesa Village Community began in October 2014 and, in fewer than 30 days, watersaving Stealth Systems from Niagara Conservation were installed in all 708 units. Backed by a 10-year warranty, the three-part Stealth System includes the 0.8 gallons-per-flush (GPF) Stealth toilet, Earth Massage 1.5 gallon-perminute (GPM) shower head, and a 1.0-GPM aerator for both the kitchen and bathroom faucets. Ultra-highefficiency 0.8-GPF Stealth toilets

were installed to replace the older, 1.6-GPF toilets previously found on the property. With every flush, the EPA WaterSense-certified Stealth toilet forces air down a transfer tube and into the trap way, allowing for a quiet yet powerful suction that ensures all waste is cleared out and flows fully into the sewer system. Monterey Peninsula Water Management District helped fund the retrofit by providing property managers rebates for every toilet installation.

Additionally, the outdated and lessefficient shower heads were replaced with high-efficiency Earth Massage 1.5-GPM shower heads, which are advertised to use up to 40 percent less water than other “low-flow” shower heads. Since faucets can account for nearly 16 percent of an average household’s daily water consumption, the 1.0-GPM kitchen and bath aerators completed the water saving package, replacing standard 2.2-GPM kitchen and bath aerators.

Significant Water, Monetary Savings According to Adrian Jimenez, operations manager for Monterey Bay Military Housing, as a result of the retrofits, the residents of La Mesa

the La Mesa Village Community,” said Jimenez. “Each retrofit was completed with the utmost professionalism and ease thanks to the team at SustainAbility Solutions, and since the project’s completion last November, we have not only seen remarkable reduc-

Alone, this 708-unit residential community saved more than one million gallons of water in one month.

Village Community saved 1.1 million gallons of water in January 2015 when compared to January 2014 and 1.14 million gallons in February 2015, compared to 2014. “The installation of Niagara Conservation’s high-efficiency plumbing fixtures have been nothing but well received by our residents in

tions in water usage within each unit of the community, but also we have received zero complaints from our residents.”

Sustain-Ability Solutions partners with public- and private-sector managers—from residential communities to hotels—to help design and imple-

ment efforts to control rising utility costs. By working with Sustain-Ability Solutions, Monterey Bay Military Housing is pushing the envelope for multi-unit property managers and owners to implement new technology that can save the planet as well as save residents money on their water and utility bills. Together, these two organizations are leading water conservation efforts by addressing the benefits of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and helping to alleviate the scarcity of water in the state of California. Alone, this 708-unit residential community saved more than one million gallons of water in one month—just imagine if more and more residential communities adopted a similar vision and partnership.n For more information about SustainAbility Solutions, contact Ed Fowlkes, operations manager, at efowlkes@sasgreen.net or visit sasconserve.com.

JULY | AUGUST 2015 35

ADVERTISING INDEX Company

Contact

Phone

Web Site

Page

Corvias Group

Amanda Filipowski

401/228-2800

www.corvias.com

11

Entech Supply

Don Smith

800/221-4785

www.entechsupply.com

HD Supply

877/610-6912

www.hdsupplysolutions.com

C2

Salsbury Industries

Ricardo Alva

323/846-6700

www.mailboxes.com

16

The Refinishing Touch

Mario Insenga

770/642-4169

www.therefinishingtouch.com

15

Universal Storage Containers

Rod Bolls, Vice President

720/263-5687

www.universalstoragecontainers.com

C4

Valley Forge Fabrics

Jason Gans

954/971-1776

www.valleyforge.com

C3

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Customer Service

800/644-8083

www.wellsfargo.com

1

Yardi Systems, Inc.

Spencer Stewart

800/866-1144

www.yardi.com

5

8