MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Hundreds of people gathered to witness the iconic opening of Camp Pendleton’s environmental keystone and unparalleled eco-friendly standard, June 1.
The South Mesa Lodging Facility officially opened yesterday as the red ceremonial ribbon fell and environmental expectations soared.
“This facility is the platinum standard for the Marine Corps and possibly for the whole Department of Defense,” said Col. James B. Seaton III, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “There is nothing that even begins to approximate what we have here. This truly is the standard.”
The new Temporary Lodging Facility was constructed out of 20 percent recycled material itself and will be 100 percent recyclable upon its distant demolition.
The four-story TLF also received one of the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest energy efficiency ratings saving more than 30 percent of water, lighting and overall utility usage.
Among the numerous environmental improvements, the TLF utilizes low-flow toilets, faucets and showers. Natural daylight can be seen from 90 percent of the building due to the 64,000 square feet of open green space in and around the new TLF.
With views of the Pacific Ocean and flat-screen TV’s in every one of the facilities 69 rooms, the patron’s quality of life was not comprised in Pendleton’s ecological efforts.
Forty eight 400-square-foot deluxe rooms make up a majority of the lodging with 21 600-square-foot suites also available. Fully furnished rooms consist of equipped kitchens, separate living areas and patios overlooking the base.
In addition to structural improvements, the facility also encourages patron participation in environmental efforts with nearby low-emission vehicle parking and recycling bins readily available in common areas.
The facility will also maintain its environmental efforts with ecological friendly amenities and cleaning supplies. This includes everything from non-allergenic shampoo to biodegradable dishwashing soap.
If we are going to hand over this planet to our kids, it is up to us to do it right, said Navy Capt. Joseph A. Campbell, commanding officer, Officer in Charge of Construction, Marine Corps Installations West. Building quality facilities like this is the starting point to an environmentally sound future.
For reservations and additional information contact Camp Pendleton’s Marine Corps Community Services at (760) 763-7805 or visit the official MCCS Web site at www.mccscp.com.