17th SFS gets energy efficient roof

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Leanne Caballer
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW, AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 17th Security Forces Squadron roof is undergoing construction geared towards saving energy costs.

The improved building will include a solar electric, solar thermal and rainwater harvesting system, contributing to an estimated energy cost savings of $11,748 per year.

The project includes the addition of four renewable energy and water systems; the photovoltaic system, solar thermal water collector, special roof assembly and a rain water collection system.

The photovoltaic system will use solar laminate panels to generate electricity and the solar thermal water collector will provide hot water to the building.

The roof will also be uniquely assembled with ducting which will aid in heating the building. Lastly, the rainwater collection system will capture, manage and reuse the rain water.

Despite all the changes, the building will not be getting a completely new roof. All changes are merely additions to the current roof, making the finished product an almost entirely self sufficient building.

Such construction is a product of the innovative and conservation minded civil engineering team working at Goodfellow.

Mr. Brian Mousavi, 17th CES project manager, said this project is the first solar energy experience for the base as well as for the squadron.

"The project is a demonstration for a Department Of Defense funded environmental security technology certification program to integrate the installation of solar, electric, solar thermal and rainwater harvesting systems in buildings on military installations worldwide," he added.

Mousavi said there are more environmental friendly projects to come. The 17th CES anticipates the replacement of air handlers and the upgrade to direct digital controllers in Building 723.

"Goodfellow can look forward to energy management control system upgrades and the installation of virtual chiller loops for dormitories in the future," he said.