The RMH Group evaluated geo-exchange and deep geothermal energy solutions across the University of Colorado Boulder’s three primary campuses to support long-term decarbonization and energy resilience goals. The team analyzed each campus’s heating and cooling demands, available land area, and subsurface conditions to identify the most viable geothermal strategies.

At Williams Village, RMH determined that a conventional geo-exchange system could efficiently meet campus energy needs. For Main Campus, the team assessed a deep geothermal steam solution capable of supporting approximately 200,000 MBH of heating and 10,000 tons of cooling through a borefield of up to 2,600 wells reaching depths of 1,000 feet. At East Campus, RMH compared an ambient loop network with a centralized heat pump plant to serve approximately 100,000 MBH of heating and 8,000 tons of cooling, using up to 1,700 boreholes at a depth of 800 feet.

The study also identified a geo-exchange opportunity at Williams Village capable of supporting 17,000 MBH of heating and 750 tons of cooling with approximately 300 boreholes. In addition, the team evaluated a campus-wide alternative featuring a 26,000-foot closed-loop deep geothermal system capable of serving all three campuses.

The Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center is a 27,000-square-foot multi-use facility that blends sustainability, education, and hospitality. More than a rest stop, the center houses interpretive museum displays, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, and warehouse space for the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

RMH worked closely with the owner and design team to deliver a highly energy-efficient building powered by renewable resources. Photovoltaic panels installed on the roof and walls generate 27 kW of electricity, while five on-site wind turbines contribute additional zero-emissions power, offsetting over half of the building’s electrical demand.

To maximize HVAC efficiency, RMH designed a ground source heat pump system with more than 11 miles of geo-exchange coils buried beneath the 26.6-acre site. This system leverages the earth’s stable temperature to provide reliable heating and cooling year-round.

Our team engineered thermal displacement ventilation in public and office areas to improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort. This low-energy system introduces air at floor level, allowing it to rise naturally and exit through ceiling vents. Daylight harvesting strategies, supported by the building’s long axis and narrow footprint, reduce reliance on electric lighting. High-efficiency fixtures and controls supplement natural light when needed.

Photo credit: AndersonMasonDale Architects and Sampson Construction

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The RMH Group Has Joined SALAS O'Brein

For more than six decades, we’ve had the privilege of serving our communities, building lasting client relationships, and working alongside incredible employees and partners. Those connections have shaped who we are. As we join Salas O’Brien, we’re excited to build on that foundation with a team that shares our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.

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