Mortenson's NREL Project is a Real Research & Development Gem

Denver, CO - The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located in Golden, Colorado, is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development. NREL’s mission is to develop renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advance related science and engineering, and transfer knowledge and innovations to address the nation's energy and environmental goals. Their existing campus contains ten research facilities, including the $22.7 million Science & Technology Facility constructed by the Denver Office.

At the project’s inception, NREL established a goal to achieve LEED® Gold for the 71,000 SF Science & Technology Facility. However, the facility was recently awarded LEED Platinum by the US Green Building Council, making it the second building in Colorado and 29th building in the world to achieve such certification. This is also the first federal laboratory building to receive a platinum rating.

The two-story building was designed to fit into the gently sloping side of South Table Mountain. The natural terrain was conserved and water resources were conserved and managed. The design team, consisting of SmithGroup and its consultants, incorporated features such as daylighting, evaporative cooling and efficient fans, motors, windows and lighting to reduce the amount of energy the building uses.  These features are predicted to save NREL 41 percent in energy costs. On-site renewable energy is used via biofuel powered boiler technology.  This technology provides 17 percent of the building’s energy. Green power is used to provide 100 percent of the building’s electricity requirements.

The project team took special care to ensure that 11 percent of the building’s materials were from recycled materials, 27 percent of its materials were manufactured within a 500 mile radius and 13 percent were extracted within the same radius. Mortenson was the general contractor diverting 80 percent of the construction waste from the landfill. Indoor environmental quality was a high priority for NREL. Glare-free natural lighting was coupled with large window views to reduce eye strain and improve worker productivity.  In addition to low VOC materials, a carbon dioxide monitoring system was used to improve the indoor air quality. Mortenson developed and managed an extensive IAQ management plan to prohibit chemicals and pollutants from entering the building or adhering to the building materials.

The completion of this state-of-the-art facility is a significant accomplishment for the U.S. Department of Energy, NREL, its operator Midwest Research Institute and Battelle and the project team.  It shows their commitment to the 55 researchers and support staff who occupy the building, as well as those who will never step foot in the building.