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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

We reduced our energy intensity (the amount of energy used per capita) by 50 percent since we purchased The Alliance Center. How did we do this? Here are a few of the ways:

We use high-efficiency and smart heating and cooling systems with integrated controls.
Our motors and mechanicals are designed to be as efficient as possible.
Our glass-walled offices and conference rooms utilize natural light whenever possible.
We installed automated occupancy, light and heat sensors.
Our equipment and appliances are Energy Star certified.
Our white roof reflects sunlight, reducing the heat-island effect externally and keeping the building cool internally.
The majority of the lights in the building are LED.
Most recently, we have partnered with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to quantify the energy savings enabled by direct current microgrids.

WATER EFFICIENCY

In Colorado’s arid climate, water efficiency is a key concern for our sustainable future and a regional priority for green building certifications. Here are a few of the ways we are reducing our water consumption:

Our toilets are ultra-low-flow, including waterless urinals. Our fixtures, such as faucets, showerheads, water fountains, and dishwashers are low-flow.
Our appliances are all Energy Star certified.
Our system for cleaning dishes includes a sanitizer instead of dishwasher.

WASTE DIVERSION

From the ground up, we are modeling how new and old construction can incorporate sustainable building practices. Here are a few examples:

Over 70 percent of both furniture and materials used in the renovation of our space have met the requirements for LEED certification including recycled content, sustainably certified woods and low or no-VOC materials.
Our floors are made of cork, reducing ecological impacts as well as noise pollution.
Our diversion rate for the building consistently exceeds 80% of all waste from the facility.
We are leaders in waste management and diversion. Our “Hard to Recycle Station” diverts thousands of pounds of waste from landfills every year.
We support local businesses who are working to bridge the gap in local and urban waste diversion.

WORKPLACE WELLNESS

Workplace wellness is more than a catchphrase. It means ensuring that our tenants are comfortable, engaged, and inspired while they share our space. We offer community events, free yoga classes, meditation space, a wellness room and more to create a work environment where our tenants thrive.

AWARDS WE’VE RECEIVED

LEED v4.1 Existing Buildings Operations + Maintenance Platinum Recertification
LEED v4 Existing Buildings Operations + Maintenance Platinum Recertification
LEED Arc Platinum Recertification
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: Environmental Leadership ProgramGold Leader
Certifiably Green Denver Organization and Event Space
Energy Star Certification
Showcase Project with the Department of Energy’s Better Building Challenge
Participant and Endorser of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Food Recovery Program
National Leadership Award for Education by an Organization
City of Denver Mayor’s Design Award: It Ain’t Easy Being Green
Colorado Office of Energy Management and Conservation: Energy Champion
2015 Colorado Facility Award of Excellence: Adaptive Reuse of a Building/Space
USGBC Colorado’s Executive Director Award for showcasing innovative solutions in resource efficiency at The Alliance Center
Denver Mayor’s Design Award
USGBC National Leadership Award for Education by an Organization
Colorado Energy Champion award from Colorado Governor Owens’ Office of Energy Management and Conservation