The University of Denver Burwell Center for Career Achievement building has won the coveted USGBC Leadership Award. This impressive project was presented the Design + Construction Award on November 1, 2023, at the USGBC Mountain Region’s Leadership Awards event. The award is given to a design and construction project that has demonstrated use of new technologies and strategies to push the envelope of high-performance design and meet project challenges in an innovative manner.
Green Ideas Building Science Consultants was asked to spearhead the LEED certification process for the Burwell Center project by the architecture firm Lake-Flato Architects. We were immediately excited to join the team because of the University of Denver’s commitment to LEED Platinum level certification (the highest level possible) and the highly regarded reputation of Lake-Flato Architects.
Some of the sustainable strategies employed in the project include:
- Integration of ergonomic principles, specifically in the design of workspaces for all computer users improves occupant well-being
- Low-emitting materials were used to reduce the harmful effect of VOCs
- Replicating natural hydrology and water balance of the site captures and manages 100% of stormwater onsite to reduce the burden on infrastructure
- Cool roof strategies minimize effects on microclimates by reducing the urban heat island effect
- Native and adaptive landscaping reduces the amount of potable water needed for irrigation
- An on-going commitment to renewable energy generation allowed the project to offset annual energy consumption
- Energy efficiency features lower operating costs and reduce fossil fuel use
- 100% sustainably harvested wood demonstrates local resource use and encourages responsible wood use
- 50% embodied carbon reduction from baseline structure increases the project’s sustainability profile and reduces fossil fuel use
- Fossil fuel free all electric facility reduces fossil fuel use
- Renewable Solar PV system lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use
- Geothermal Heating & Cooling (GHC) lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use.
- Composting Toilets reduce potable water use
- Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures reduce potable water use
- Domestic Hot Water Heat Pump lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use
- Efficient HVAC Systems provide enhanced Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- Operable Windows provide occupant control and enhanced IAQ
- Heat Recovery System lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use
- Elimination of Natural Gas lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use
- Mass Timber Construction demonstrates local resource use and encourages responsible wood use
- Efficient Façade Materials and Insulation lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use
- Rain Garden and landscape features reduce the urban heat island effect and provide stormwater control
- Daylighting lowers operating costs, provides an enhanced learning environment and reduces fossil fuel use
- Lighting Controls provide occupant control, lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use
- Occupancy Controlled Receptacles provide occupant control, lowers operating costs and reduces fossil fuel use
- Task Lighting provides occupant control and comfort
- Bicycle Racks encourage the use of alternative transportation
Green Ideas Building Science Consultants is honored to have been a member of the progressive project team for the Burwell Center project. The building earned LEED PLATINUM level certification on September 14, 2022, achieving 81 of the possible 110 available points within the LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) Rating System. You can see the more details about the certification at Green Ideas Building Science Consultant’s website at Egreenideas.com.