Marine Corps Air Station

The U.S. Department of Defense sees emerging energy technologies as vital to the nation’s security. When studies showed how much View Smart Windows could reduce energy usage at a demonstration site, the DoD gave the project the thumbs-up.


  • 98% customer satisfaction
  • Smart windows provide 27% HVAC savings
  • 62% lighting savings
  • Improves use of office spaces by reducing heat, glare and noise
  • Location
    San Diego, CA
  • General Contractor
    Hugo Alonso Inc
  • Glazier
    Custom Engineered Openings

The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS), just north of San Diego, is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation unit of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

It’s also home to Building 6311, a designated Department of Defense (DoD) demonstration project. The DoD implements projects on military installations to demonstrate emerging energy technologies. The goals are to test, evaluate and scale innovative technologies to improve the department’s energy security and reduce its facility energy costs. Demonstrations successfully deployed generate the cost and performance data needed to validate promising technologies, allowing them to be fielded and commercialized more rapidly.

Nicknamed “City Hall,” Building 6311 houses the base’s leaders and administrative staff, and is the nerve center of base operations. Adequate control over solar heat and glare is essential. The demonstration project was a retrofit of the facade with energy-efficient glass.

“Energy management is critical to mission assurance for MCAS Miramar, which is what we’re all about,” says Col. John Farnam, Base Commander. “At the end of the day, it increases national security.”

The DoD replaced 1935 square feet of low-performing, clear glass with View Smart Windows. View worked with MCAS to develop an initial energy and benefits model. It showed that View Smart Windows enable a 23 percent reduction in HVAC peak-cooling load, a predicted 18 percent decrease in gas use and a 9 percent decrease in total energy use annually.

“These dynamic windows will essentially make it thermally efficient and glare-free throughout the building,” says Mick Wasco, MCAS Miramar Energy Manager.

Completed in August 2013, the installation has contributed to the base’s goal of improved energy efficiency and greater occupant comfort. View Smart Windows have also reduced noise, glare and heat while providing unobstructed views.