Iconergy partnered with Auraria Higher Education Center to improve system performance and reliability in a major science facility through comprehensive commissioning services.
industry
Higher Education
location
Denver, Colorado
Solutions
Commissioning, Retro-Commissioning
Executive Summary
Iconergy provided commissioning and retro-commissioning services for the Science Buildings at the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) in Denver, Colorado. Services included original commissioning for a major science building addition and renovation, followed by campus-supported recommissioning studies for both the New and Old Science Buildings through Xcel Energy’s Recommissioning Program. Together, these efforts improved system performance, reduced energy consumption, enhanced occupant comfort, and supported long-term sustainability goals.
Facility Overview
The AHEC Science Buildings support a range of academic disciplines including biology, chemistry, earth sciences, anthropology, and computer sciences. Facilities include laboratories, classrooms, lecture halls, vivarium spaces, and research support areas. The New Science Building consists of approximately 197,227 square feet, while the Old Science Building comprises approximately 116,278 square feet.
Commissioning and Recommissioning Scope
Iconergy’s scope of services included original commissioning for new construction and renovations, as well as detailed recommissioning studies of existing building systems. Activities included system investigation, functional testing, BAS trend analysis, identification of energy conservation opportunities, and development of recommended control and operational improvements.
Energy Conservation Results
Through participation in Xcel Energy’s Recommissioning Program, Iconergy identified and supported implementation of multiple energy conservation opportunities. Measures for the New Science Building resulted in an estimated annual reduction of 677,905 kWh, while measures for the Old Science Building resulted in an estimated annual reduction of 75,318 kWh, for a combined annual savings of more than 750,000 kWh.
Key Systems Evaluated and Optimized
- Laboratory and general HVAC air handling units and controls
- Vivarium and laboratory exhaust and make-up air systems
- Chilled water and heating hot water systems
- Rooftop units and evaporative cooling systems
- Building automation system (Johnson Controls Metasys)
- Laboratory air valves, economizer and heat recovery systems
- Lighting and operational scheduling strategies
Project Highlights
- Comprehensive commissioning and retro-commissioning for higher education laboratory facilities
- 197,227 SF New Science Building and 116,278 SF Old Science Building evaluated under Xcel Energy Recommissioning Program
- Identification and implementation support for low- and no-cost energy conservation measures
- Annual energy savings of approximately 753,000 kWh across both buildings
- Optimization of laboratory HVAC systems, air handling units, and control sequences
- Improved occupant comfort, system reliability, and maintainability
- Buildings support advanced teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, and vivarium spaces
- Commissioning and recommissioning services performed between 2011 and 2018
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