After the Army announced plans to expand Fort Bliss, in Texas, by up to 30,000 troops, FirstLight Federal Credit Union contracted NewGround (as CM) to build a new 16,000-sf facility, allocating 6,000 sf for a USO center with an Internet café, gaming stations, and theater. Water conservation is crucial in the Chihuahuan Desert, where the base is located. Sustainability consultant Vertegy, based in Overland, Mo. implemented water-efficient bath and kitchen fixtures and low-irrigation landscaping, plus a variety of energy-saving features to help the credit union reach its LEED goal.
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