Equipment reutilization facility receives modernizations

  • Published
  • By Delanie Stafford
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Offutt’s Disposition Services facility recently underwent extensive renovations that will provide additional storage space, increased security and reduced energy costs.

The $2.8 million project, which began in October of last year, includes renovations to five warehouses, replacement and modification of the outer fence and parking lot repairs.

The first phase of the project was recently completed and phase two will begin sometime around May.

As part of phase-one renovations, much of the perimeter fence was replaced and barbed wire was installed for added security for the facility, which processes millions of dollars in used government equipment annually.

Additionally, more than 5,000 cubic feet of concrete was removed and replaced throughout the parking lot to improve water drainage and alleviate flooding of warehouses.

The most notable renovations involved the warehouses, which will now be more energy efficient. Three of the five warehouses were stripped down to the steel frame and completely overhauled with new LED lighting, heating systems, fire suppression systems and improved insulation.

“The buildings will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter,” said Mike O’Sullivan, construction manager for Betance Enterprises, Inc., who is performing the renovations.

O’Sullivan said special design considerations were made to improve energy efficiency. Solar lights were installed in the warehouses, saving an estimated 40 percent in total energy costs, as well as LED lighting, which will use 75 percent less energy than the sodium lights previously used.

In addition to energy savings, the warehouses will provide a considerable amount of additional storage with new stationary and adjustable rack systems.

“The storage capacity will be doubled,” O’Sullivan said.

Employees who work at the facility are excited to see the upgrades completed.

“It’s energy-efficient now,” said Sandra Franks, a disposition service representative. “The new lighting and heating - it will be just wonderful to have that. Overall, we have a better work environment.”

The project was overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and utilized newly directed requirements for high performance and sustainable design of buildings.

Building designs incorporated the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design’s Silver certification standards. Environmental friendly materials were used and features such as continuous insulation and thermal radiant heaters were incorporated.

According to O’Sullivan, the renovations to the Disposition Services facility should now make it viable for at least the next thirty years.