Energy Efficient

STAQ Pharma is transforming pediatric healthcare by addressing a critical gap in the pharmaceutical supply chain: the availability of sterile, small-dose medications for children. At its cutting-edge 18,400-square-foot cGMP 503B outsourcing facility in Colorado, this innovative startup repackages adult-dose medications into precise pediatric doses using advanced robotic automation. These smaller doses are essential for pre-operative, operative, and post-operative procedures in pediatric care.
The facility includes 5,000 square feet of highly automated cleanroom space designed to meet the highest standards for sterile-to-sterile drug repackaging. Robotic systems ensure exceptional sterility, accuracy, and efficiency, helping STAQ Pharma deliver safer and more reliable medications for pediatric patients.

To support this pharmaceutical-grade environment, the HVAC system maintains an ISO 7 cleanroom classification through a cascading clean-to-dirty pressure hierarchy. Inside the robotics enclosure, conditions are even more stringent, achieving ISO 5 classification. Energy-efficient design strategies, including variable airflow modes for occupied and idle states, enable significant energy savings while maintaining strict air-change requirements.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Wyoming Supercomputing Center (NWSC) in Cheyenne represents a significant leap in our understanding of climate, weather, and Earth processes. Designed with a flexible, modular approach, the facility houses next-generation supercomputing systems up to 1,000 watts/SF. It supports researchers in crucial tasks, such as visualizing future climate scenarios and tracking hurricane paths. With a commitment to low energy performance, the NWSC achieves a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.08, positioning it among the top 1% of the most efficient data centers globally.

To capitalize on Cheyenne’s unique cool, dry climate, RMH engineers used evaporative cooling towers to provide sufficient cooling for NCAR’s supercomputing equipment for 96% of the year. A 150′ x 8′ ultra-low-energy fan wall cools air-cooled equipment on the data center floor. Waste heat from the supercomputer is reused to heat administrative areas and melt snow on walkways and loading docks. Additionally, a chilled-beam system delivers efficient cooling in administrative spaces, while ultra-efficient water-saving technologies achieve savings of up to six million gallons annually.

The facility encompasses 153,000 square feet, featuring modular data storage, a visitor center, and a 100,000-square-foot central utility plant. Furthermore, eco-friendly design elements, highlighted by LEED Gold certification, affirm the NWSC’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability. This groundbreaking center advances scientific research and promotes energy efficiency and conservation on a grand scale.

The St. Francis Medical Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, underwent an expansive project to cater to a 50% increase in patient volume since 2008, aiming to meet the growing community’s needs by expanding its capacity and enhancing care delivery.

The project included the construction of a 250,410-square-foot acute care facility, which features an emergency department, operating rooms, and an upgraded Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It also provides additional space for future growth. Key features of the expansion are a 30,000-square-foot parking area, a 34,000-square-foot Emergency Department with adaptable space, two operating theaters, a 22-bay post-anesthesia care unit, and 12,500 square feet for future operating rooms on Level 1. Level 2 has reserved space for surgical expansion, while Level 3 saw a 31,000-square-foot NICU expansion and renovations. Level 4 includes interstitial space for mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and Levels 5 and 6 will accommodate 64 MedSurg beds. RMH also provided the design to update the central utility plant to support the expansion, including a new chiller, boiler, and cooling tower.

The project utilized an Integrated Project Delivery method, completing 56 days early and 2% under budget. RMH introduced innovations such as tunable LED white light technology in the NICU to support infant circadian rhythms, enhancing care quality. Additionally, sustainability and efficiency were emphasized through daylight harvesting and high-efficiency lighting, balancing energy savings with maintaining safe care environments.

The USAFA Hosmer Visitor Center, located just outside the North Gate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, stands out in innovative engineering and sustainability. Covering 34,000 square feet as part of the TrueNorth Commons development, this facility plays a crucial role in the local educational and economic landscape.

RMH provided design and construction phase services for the Visitor Center’s mechanical, electrical, fire protection, specialty lighting, and low-voltage technology infrastructure systems. The design reflects the Academy’s four-class system while enhancing aerodynamics, featuring a striking Delta-wing roof inspired by the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk. Mechanical systems are cleverly integrated into the sides, preserving the sleek profile.

The radiant-slab cooling system maintains temperature in the impressive 80-foot-tall south-facing atrium, ensuring energy efficiency and comfort. Dynamic lighting highlights the tiered roof’s movement, amplifying the building’s architectural appeal.

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