The $14.8 million Temporary Lodging Facility has employed hundreds in construction efforts and is predicted to be 100 percent recyclable itself upon demolition.

“This new facility will promote a healthy lodging experience for both patrons and employees by limiting adverse impacts to the environment,” said Frank Winter, pollution prevention coordinator, Assistant Chief of Staff’s Environmental Security Office, Marine Corps Base. “Everything from office equipment to alarm clocks will carry the Energy Star Label.”

The eco-friendly project is scheduled to open June 1 near the Staff Noncommissioned Officer's South Mesa Club after more than a year of planning and design.

The four-story TLF is being constructed from 20 percent of recycled materials and will encourage patron participation with recycling bins available in common areas. Internal water consumption will also be reduced by 30 percent with the installation of low-flow toilets, faucets and showers.

Energy efficiency is a big deal, said Navy Cmdr. Marshall T. Sykes, public works officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. All construction contracts awarded through the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in or after fiscal year 2009 will be LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, certified.

The four star-like design will include 48 guest rooms and 21 suites all with outdoor patios with ocean views, Winter said. The iconic facility will also provide 64,000 square feet of open green space with natural daylight that can be seen from 90 percent of the building.

“The environment is our most valuable natural resource and is inextricably linked to everything,” said Navy Lt. j.g. Dalone T. Jenkins, assistant resident officer in charge of construction, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “If you abuse the environment, it will eventually fail to function or sustain life.”

The new TLF is part of the base’s $3 billion improvement plan spanning the next three years. Additional projects will include a $600 million hospital and a new mall-like main exchange to be located at Pendleton’s front gate.

Pendleton’s construction boom is partially a result of Congress’ recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation provides federal agencies money to employ and stimulate the economy. At the height of the base’s construction, projects are anticipated to provide nearly 10,000 jobs through contracting efforts.

“This is not only good news for the base, but for everyone living in San Diego County,” Sykes said. “It really is an exciting time to work and be a part of everything that is going on at Camp Pendleton.”