Carbon Reduction | Sustainability

The Alexander Dawson School Innovation Center represents a comprehensive approach to K-12 science education, featuring specialized learning environments designed to support the school’s innovative curriculum. The 24,000-square-foot, three-story building houses science classrooms and laboratories, as well as a shared makerspace with associated wood and metal shops and storage areas.

The Innovation Center serves as both an educational hub and campus welcome center, creating the first destination for visitors and prospective students. The facility incorporates four high school-level laboratories, three middle school-level laboratories, one K-5-level laboratory, computer labs, and specialized workshop spaces. The building design emphasizes visual connections to the outdoors and campus features while putting internal activities on display through intentional transparency.

The facility achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainable design principles. The building functions are integrated into the campus landscape, creating a cohesive educational environment that aligns facilities with the school’s divisions and departments.

As the project’s mechanical and electrical engineer, RMH provided mechanical and electrical design services, including AV/IT/security systems, and bid and construction-phase services. The design emphasized low energy use by evaluating multiple HVAC system options to optimize performance and efficiency for specialized laboratory and educational spaces.

The Space Operations Simulation Center (SOSC) provides an ultra-stable environment for developing, evaluating, and testing precision instruments and navigation systems for space vehicles. Sophisticated facilities enable full- and sub-scale simulations of ranging, rendezvous, docking, imaging, descent, and landing operations—all of which are necessary for the success of manned and robotic missions to Earth-orbiting platforms and celestial bodies. The 41,000-square-foot building includes a 16,000-square-foot high bay with a robot wing and an airlock, four mission operations centers, two control rooms, a two-story lobby, and support spaces.

RMH’s role for this fast-track project included electrical/lighting design, lighting modeling, energy modeling, and LEED consulting. RMH met the challenge of spearheading the LEED effort for a project with an accelerated schedule and complex technical spaces not typical for a LEED-targeted facility. The facility achieved LEED-NC Gold certification.

In a related project, our engineers designed a 50-foot-tall, six-degree-of-freedom robot system used to design and test autonomous spacecraft guidance systems within the SOSC facility. The high-precision robot maneuvers and docks full-scale spacecraft mock-ups with minimal deflection under load. The design included a unique 2,000-psi hydraulic counterbalance system that supports the vertical-axis platform’s 36,000-pound mass.

Photo credit: Lockheed Martin Space Systems

Home to 11 federal agencies, the Byron G. Rogers Federal Office Building in downtown Denver was targeted by its owner, the U.S. General Services Administration, for an extensive modernization project to significantly improve energy efficiency and deliver advanced updates to this important example of 1960s-era Federal architecture. This design-build project involved comprehensive upgrades to all major building systems housed within the 18-story, 494,000-square-foot office tower and minor improvements to the adjacent courthouse. The upgrades are projected to reduce energy use in the office tower by nearly 70 percent relative to current levels.

In addition to improving building envelope insulation, the most significant energy savings were achieved by implementing a chilled-beam system to replace the building’s inefficient, inflexible mechanical system. A chilled-beam system is an advanced method for distributing heating and cooling throughout the building with minimal energy waste. It primarily uses water at a moderate temperature to condition building spaces. After capturing heat generated by building occupants, computers, lighting, and solar gain, a thermal tank in the basement stores and circulates this heat through the building’s chilled-beam system as needed.

The retrofitted building features additional energy-saving technologies, including 100% LED lighting, enhanced daylighting, and roof-mounted solar thermal collectors that provide all of the building’s domestic hot water. Water-conserving strategies are expected to reduce water use by 40 percent. The comprehensive modernization positions this Federal facility as a model for sustainable government building operations while preserving its architectural significance.

As the project’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer, RMH provided comprehensive MEP engineering services for this transformative modernization project.

RMH modernized the mechanical and electrical systems at the historic St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Denver, Colorado. Initially built in 1907, with additional buildings constructed during the Depression era, the seminary required thoughtful upgrades to improve energy performance and occupant comfort while preserving its architectural heritage.

RMH designed the upgraded lighting systems to meet current life safety and energy codes, enhance illumination, and simplify maintenance. Our team selected energy-efficient lamps and custom historic-style fixtures to maintain the campus’s character.

To install a large air handling unit in the chapel tower, RMH designed a lightweight, all-aluminum vertical unit. The unit was assembled and field-erected on site by lowering components through the bell tower to avoid exceeding structural load limits.

Because new ductwork would compromise interior aesthetics, RMH engineered a hydronic heating and cooling system. This approach minimized wall and ceiling penetrations while delivering high energy transfer efficiency.

In the library, which houses rare and historic books, the team was required to maintain strict temperature and humidity levels using evaporative cooling with chilled water backup. Leveraging Denver’s dry climate, the refectory kitchen and chapel use evaporative cooling. At night, the chapel is flushed with cool outdoor air to reduce daytime cooling loads.

Our design improved lighting efficiency by specifying LED and fluorescent fixtures, installing occupancy sensors, and using photocells to reduce energy use during daylight hours.

RMH provided mechanical, electrical, and lighting design services for the expansive Philip S. Miller Park and Miller Activity Complex.. Nestled among the area’s scenic geological formations, this 320-acre park delivers a wide range of indoor and outdoor recreational experiences for residents and visitors.

RMH designed systems to support the park’s diverse amenities, including a synthetic turf athletic field, zip line courses, and a 2,500-seat amphitheater for concerts and live events. The 2,850-square-foot Millhouse offers flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, family gatherings, and special events. Visitors enjoy picnic pavilions, an outdoor fireplace, and water features such as two ponds fed by a recirculating creek and a splash pad for children.

Inside the Miller Activity Complex, RMH engineered systems for full-sized and half-sized turf fields, a 3,000-square-foot play area, a 5,000-square-foot trampoline zone, batting cages, and an 18-hole golf simulator. The indoor aquatics center features a lap pool, a leisure pool with a winding water slide, and a vortex whirlpool that simulates rushing currents.

Our team delivered energy-efficient, code-compliant solutions that enhance comfort, safety, and functionality across the entire site.

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

RMH provided mechanical and electrical engineering services for the LEED Gold-certified CAB Barracks Complex at Fort Carson, Colorado—a $94.9 million design-build project supporting the 13th Combat Aviation Brigade. From the outset, the team prioritized energy efficiency, livability, and cost-effective delivery to achieve net-zero energy performance.

Spanning 370,156 square feet, the complex includes three H-shaped, four-story buildings with apartment-style units for 994 soldiers. The design integrates advanced sustainable systems to reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort.

Key energy-efficient features include:

Radiant heating and cooling with active chilled beams
Heat recovery chiller and 5,000-gallon thermal storage tank
Dedicated outdoor air systems with heat recovery ventilation
Solar thermal panels that meet 30% of domestic hot water demand
Gravity thin-film shower drain heat exchangers
400 kW ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays offsetting 25% of annual energy use
Vacancy and occupancy sensors for lighting control
Automated window sensors and LED lighting throughout

RMH also engineered the adjacent Central Boiler and Chiller Facility (CBCF), which supports the barracks and future development on the Butts Field Plateau. The CBCF includes six condensing boilers, three 400-ton chillers, and over 81,000 feet of hot and chilled water distribution piping.

This project set a new benchmark for sustainable military housing and supports Fort Carson’s transformation into a net-zero energy installation.

Breckenridge Brewery, at the time, Colorado’s fifth-largest craft brewer, unveiled a new $35-million brewery campus in response to growing demand and community engagement. Located in Littleton, the 79,150-square-foot, three-building complex blends rustic farmhouse aesthetics with modern brewing innovation and sustainable design. The campus includes:

Brewhouse Building: Featuring brewing and malt handling areas, a hops cooler, boiler plant, offices, conference room, and a tasting room.
Production Building: Home to fermentation, bottling, barrel aging, canning, kegging, dry goods storage, and a quality control lab.
Restaurant Building: A full-service restaurant with indoor seating, a lounge, a kitchen, and a gift shop.

Designed for scalability, the facility starts with a brewing capacity of 70,000 barrels annually, with potential to reach 300,000 barrels.
Sustainability was central to the design. Energy-efficient evaporative cooling supports process areas and the kitchen. Natural ventilation in the Brewhouse enhances indoor air quality. Destratification fans improve seasonal comfort, while 95%-efficient condensing boilers provide heating. A water reuse system captures and filters wastewater for landscape irrigation.

The Student Success Building is the first structure in the Metro State “neighborhood” on the Auraria Higher Education Campus, designated exclusively for use by Metro State students and faculty. Metro State shares the Auraria campus with two other institutions: the University of Colorado Denver and the Community College of Denver. This new facility encompasses approximately 145,000 square feet and includes functional spaces for classrooms, offices, critical support services, the Office of the President, as well as special programs and departments.

Metro State is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions associated with campus operations; therefore, sustainability was a key requirement for this building. As the mechanical and electrical design engineer for the project, RMH implemented high-performance building systems, which feature efficient heating and cooling systems, low-water-use fixtures, and reliable power supplies.

The Avondale Aquatic Center is a modern, energy-efficient facility designed for comfort, safety, and community engagement. It features locker rooms, showers, restrooms, staff offices, a nurse station, a lifeguard office, and a food truck/snack area.

Mechanical systems include split system heat pumps and evaporative cooling with natural gas heating. Ventilation and exhaust systems support indoor air quality in high-fume areas. Plumbing uses lead-free materials, low-flow fixtures, and efficient water heating. Fire protection meets NFPA 13 standards.

RMH upgraded the electrical system to include an 800A service, installed LED lighting with smart controls, and set up infrastructure for solar and EV charging. In addition, the design enhances security with access control, surveillance cameras, and fire alarms. RMH designed site lighting to minimize light pollution and created durable, comfortable interior lighting.

This facility reflects a commitment to sustainability, functionality, and user experience.

RMH provided comprehensive electrical, mechanical, and plumbing engineering services for a new 43,000-square-foot, two-story facility supporting global scientific field missions. The building, more than twice the size of its 1970s predecessor, includes offices, electronic and wet laboratories, an ITAR-controlled warehouse, and connects to two existing aircraft hangars.

Both hangars support NCAR’s Gulfstream V and C-130 research aircraft. RMH’s electrical design scope included:

Upgrading Hangar A’s electrical service from 120/208V to 277/480V
Power and lighting design for a new locker room in Hangar B
Integrated lighting and controls design throughout the facility

This facility enhances NCAR’s ability to support airborne research and innovation worldwide.

RMH Group provided MEP engineering services for renovating and expanding the University of Colorado at Boulder’s recreation center. The project involved updating the 215,000-square-foot facility and adding 93,000 square feet of new space. The enhanced recreation center now offers expanded weight and cardio areas, a new ice rink with stadium seating and LED lighting, a three-story rock-climbing gym with a bouldering wall, an outdoor aquatics facility, an indoor turf gym, four lighted rooftop tennis courts, a new entrance and lobby, and renovated pools, gyms, and locker rooms.

Focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability goals, the project incorporates innovative heating and cooling systems that significantly reduce energy consumption. Features such as a heat recovery loop, which transfers excess heat to areas like the swimming pools and domestic hot water system, along with evaporative cooling, thermal displacement ventilation, radiant slab heating, and daylight harvesting, all contribute to the building’s energy profile. This recreation center earned LEED Platinum certification upon completion.

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.

Originally a World War II munitions plant, Building 48 has been transformed into a LEED Gold-certified and SITES Silver-certified office for the Department of the Interior’s Interior Business Center.

The project involved converting a 1940s-era warehouse into a modern, energy-efficient workspace. RMH designed advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that facilitated the building’s net-zero energy profile. A key feature was installing a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) system, which included perimeter single-zone units and additional units for interior zones and ventilation. This system capitalizes on Colorado’s dry climate through direct evaporative cooling, achieving a 75% reduction in energy consumption in shoulder seasons.

The electrical design focused on complete building electrification, incorporating three 240kW electric boilers that work with the WSHP. RMH kept the switchgear capacity below 4000A, creatively repurposing an old transformer for EV charging stations. A 200kW solar array on the roof and site solar at the Denver Federal Center supplied 100% renewable energy.

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.