Iconergy partnered with NREL to electrify two campuses, eliminate gas heating, and modernize systems to cut energy use and emissions while boosting resilience.
industry
Federal Government, Laboratories
location
Golden, Colorado
Solutions
Electrification & Carbon Reduction, Energy & Operational Efficiency, Energy Audits, Incentives, Performance Contracting, Resiliency
Annual Savings
$1.2MM
Annual Energy Savings
35,652 MMBtu, 660,000 gallons water
Overview
NREL set aggressive electrification and decarbonization goals for its campuses, particularly Flatirons. The challenge: eliminate fossil fuel heating, modernize outdated systems, and reduce utility costs — all while maintaining critical research operations. Our team was selected to deliver a cost-effective ESPC solution aligned with federal climate Executive Orders 13990, 14008 & 14057.
Solutions
The project combined full electrification of natural gas heating at Flatirons with major efficiency upgrades. Measures included SmartLab ventilation conversions (CAV→VAV), HVAC and controls improvements, LED lighting retrofits, domestic water upgrades, and building envelope weatherization. A pilot microgrid and retro-commissioned solar PV systems further improved resiliency and carbon-free performance.
Results
The project is delivering $1.2M in annual savings, reducing energy use by 35,652 MMBtu, electricity consumption by 10.4M kWh, and water use by 660,000 gallons (14% at Flatirons). Flatirons and STM campuses each achieve ~18% overall energy reduction. The upgrades advance NREL’s leadership in decarbonization and resilience, supported by a 2022 DOE AFFECT Grant.
Project Highlights
- $1.2M in verified annual savings
- 35,652 MMBtu annual energy savings
- 10.4M kWh electricity reduction per year
- 660,000 gallons water saved annually (14% reduction at Flatirons)
- Full electrification of natural gas heating at Flatirons Campus
- ~18% overall energy reduction at both Flatirons & STM campuses
- Supported by 2022 DOE AFFECT Grant
Energy Conservation Measures
- Full electrification of natural gas heating at the Flatirons Campus
- SmartLab upgrades & conversion of laboratory ventilation systems from CAV to VAV
- Installation of a pilot microgrid
- Retro-commissioning of dis-repaired solar PV systems
- HVAC controls improvements
- LED retrofits and networked lighting controls
- Domestic water upgrades
- Weatherization improvements and installation of window film
Awards
Related Projects
Let’s Build Together
CEG Solutions helps public and private clients modernize infrastructure, achieve deep savings, and enhance energy and operational efficiency — without disrupting mission-critical operations. Let’s talk about what we can achieve together.
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