Buildings and other constructed facilities represent a significant and continuing commitment of Marine Corps resources. As responsible stewards of the environment, MCIWEST is accountable to the Nation to utilize precious resources in a way that is both efficient and sustainable.
There are minimum requirements set forth for all new construction and renovation construction aboard military installations. The current version of those requirements can be found in Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 1-200-02.
The UFC provides minimum unified requirements and guidance for planning, designing, constructing, renovating, and maintaining high performance and sustainable buildings that will enhance DOD mission capability by reducing total ownership costs.
The purpose of the UFC is to:
• Require greater energy and water efficiency measures that are supported by a life-cycle cost analysis
• Balance building performance with occupant comfort, health and wellness, safety and productivity
• Guide compliance with higher level mandates, policies and standards
• Include requirements for energy resiliency relative to mission execution
These sustainable practices result in:
• Reduced total ownership costs of buildings
• Improved energy and water efficiency
• Enhanced building and installation performance and sustainability
• Enhanced resource and environmental stewardship
• Enhanced energy and water security
• Improved air and water quality
• Reduced strain on the local utility infrastructure

MCAS Yuma flight line.
In addition to incorporating energy efficient design and construction into our new buildings, MCIWEST installations are applying new technologies to reduce energy requirements. Marine Corps Air Station Yuma has replaced the incandescent bulbs of their runway lights, taxiways, navigational signage, and obstruction lights with Light Emitting Diodes (LED). LEDs are much more durable, and consume significantly less electricity.