Email   Print   Share By Pfc. Jordan Johnson, 13th PAD

Facebook Digg Delicious July 1, 2010 | Living

Major Gen. Will Grimsley, acting senior commander, III Corps and Fort Hood, speaks June 23 to attendees of the Patton/Wainwright Expansion LEED Completion Ceremony at the new Patton Park. Pfc. Jordan Johnson, 13th PAD

Actus Lend Lease, USGB and Fort Hood employees gather around the LEED award during a ceremony held June 23 at the new Patton Park.

The Patton Park housing edition received a major renovation, resulting in 232 houses being awarded with the LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The homes, now part of the largest green community in Texas, were built with efficiency, health and the environment in mind. Officials said residents will save up to 25 percent on energy bills.

Despite near triple-digit temperatures and an unforgiving sun, approximately 50 people gathered June 23 at the new Patton Park for a ceremony signifying the completion of Texas’ largest green community.

Spearheading the project was Fort Hood Family Housing, a partnership between the Army and Actus Lend Lease. Upon completion of the houses, the new housing community received the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design Silver certification.

“The certification is a milestone for our commitment for sustainability,” Wade Golden, senior construction manager at Fort Hood for Actus Land Lease, said. “We are always striving to be more sustainable.”

Silver certification is given by the United States Green Building Council and represents achievement in green homebuilding and design.

“Homes built here are houses that people can be proud of,” Nate Kredich, member of the of USGB council, said. “This is special because it’s for hundreds of Soldiers who call these houses homes.”

Along with using environmentally-friendly supplies to build the homes, the houses will be much more efficient, which is going to help the wallets of Soldiers and their families.

“Families in this community will have lower energy bills,” Kredich said. “There will be at least 25 percent more efficiency over comparably-built houses.”

Upon completion of the new green community, Fort Hood now is home to the largest energy-efficient neighborhood amongst all Army installations.

“This is groundbreaking,” Maj. Gen. Will Grimsley, acting senior commander, III Corps and Fort Hood, said. “There are over 200 new homes here, all Silver LEED certified.”

While there has been much talk of the new homes having sustainability, being more efficient and better for the environment, perhaps something even more important was discussed; wellness of families.

“Health of people living in these homes will be better,” Kredich said. “People spend 80 percent of their time indoors and these homes will offer better living conditions.”

Patton Park and Wainwright Heights, the two housing editions for which the ceremony was held, contain housing for both officers and general officers. At least one resident was very grateful for his new surroundings.

“I want to say thank you, as the commander, and also say thank you, again, as a member of the community,” Grimsley said.

Located near the East gate, there are numerous opportunities for residents to practice even more ways to help promote a greener way of living. Many stores are located within walking distance, with some places, such as Club Hood, only a few blocks down the street.

“The houses are located in such an area that car usage can be lowered,” Kredich said.

Following the closing remarks, a ceremonial plaque was presented and group photos were taken. Anxious to get out of the sweltering heat, attendees filtered into the house where the ceremony took place.