Energy Efficiency
2008 Energy Highlights:
By simply turning off the atrium lights during daylight hours, the Colorado Convention Center saves 134,000 watts of electricity an hour. That’s equally to almost 50,000 kilowatts annually or 500,000 convention 100 watt light bulbs.
Between November 2008 and May 2009, the solar roof top panels produced 973 kilowatts of electricity. That is enough electricity to operate 10 home for a full year.
Cooling
In a move towards conservation, the City and County of Denver has combined with the local utility company to create a huge underground chilled water loop, capable of cooling many downtown facilities. Instead of running separate chillers, the Center now simply dials up cooling tonnage as necessary for events through a computer to the local utility company. This citywide system was designed with efficiency in mind. During the day, the utility company uses standard cooling towers to cool the water, and at night they use an ice plant to keep the water cold. This alleviates the need for each facility to run their own chillers; the center only uses the capacity necessary for the size of group in the facility.
Glass
All outer glass in the facility is low E glass which helps maintain facility temperatures during hot and cold periods. This systems works by reflecting heat back to its source and also reflects UV and IR light. It also prevents the formation of condensation and can help increase the loss of heat by up to 25% through the glass. Considering the Colorado Convention Center has about 300,000 sq ft of glass, this is substantial.
HVAC
Heating over two million square feet can be quite an accomplishment, considering there are hundreds of days with large freight doors wide open. The Center constantly monitors open load in/out coiling doors through facility walks as well as through facility security cameras and door control. If a coiling door is not in use, it can be closed by a local switch or from the security base station.
Another way the Center has lowered heating consumption is by discontinuing use of the original natural gas-fired boilers and getting onto a citywide steam tube and shell system. This system provides heat only when needed, and allows the Center to have lower preset temperatures when the facility does not need higher temperatures (such as when it’s occupied). There are separate systems for the heating loop from the kitchen domestic loop, resulting in further savings.
Lighting
The Colorado Convention Center, in conjunction with the City and County of Denver, has joined a "Green Lights" program which essentially addresses electrical consumption savings through efficient lighting. To accomplish the savings, the use of existing building lighting was reviewed and studied. It was then determined that substantial savings could be made if all building lighting using 150 - 300 watt incandescent lighting was converted to 13 watt compact fluorescent.
In addition, all 74 watt T-12 fluorescent lighting was changed to 35 watt T-8, resulting in a substantial energy savings, considering this type of lighting is used in over half of the facility. Savings in energy use has also been accomplished through intelligent use of lighting control. All facility lighting is run by computer, using time clocks. If an area is not in use, it is not turned on.
When it is finished with use, lighting is turned off. This is accomplished through a dedicated electrician reading well-planned event schedules and incorporating individual as well as multiple events into a daily lighting program. The Center also uses two different lighting levels, one for set up/dismantle, with low light levels, and one for event hours requiring full facility lighting. This program, coupled with efficient lighting, provides for extensive energy savings, considering the size and use of the facility.
Solar
The City and County of Denver showcased its commitment to environmental sustainability and the green economy today with the launch of the area’s newest solar power system. Covering 30,000 square feet atop the Colorado Convention Center, the 300-kilowatt system is a product of a landmark public-private partnership fostered by City managers and leaders in local renewable energy. Through a partnership with Greenprint Denver, MMA Renewable Ventures, Oak Leaf Energy Partners, Namasté Solar, SunPower Corp. and Xcel Energy, the Colorado Convention Center was able to provide a site for the new solar power system without making a major capital investment, making it the largest solar roof top in the state of Colorado. Designed and installed by Namasté Solar, Colorado’s leading solar electric company, the solar array features 1,310 high-efficiency solar panels and state-of-the-art technology manufactured by SunPower Corp. to maximize solar electrical generation.