General Services Administration
Denver, Colorado
Opened in 1965, the 248,000 SF Byron G. Rogers U.S. Courthouse is a prominent structure in downtown Denver’s Federal District and is home to the Federal District Court, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Attorney’s and U.S. Marshal’s offices. The five-story courthouse underwent a major rehabilitation – including a total mechanical, electrical overhaul – to modernize systems and make the building more sustainable. In addition to systems updates, RMH’s design supported renovation of public spaces, judges’ chambers, courtrooms, and tenant office areas. The U.S. District Court Library, used by all of the Justice Department’s operations downtown, was expanded and remodeled. The lobby was also enlarged, including relocation of security and processing functions outside the entry proper and addition of a vestibule.
The renovation was one of 50 projects around the U.S. selected to validate and refine the new LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) rating system prior to its general release, and RMH served as the project’s LEED consultant/administrator. Since opportunities for sustainability exist across all building systems, a collaborative and well-integrated effort among the many design disciplines was requisite. This work began with a charrette among team members followed by a report identifying LEED criteria as they apply to this existing building. The following features were among those identified for incorporation into the final design.
- CO2 monitoring for demand ventilation
- Economizer cycle for all air handling units
- Direct evaporative cooling
- Premium-efficiency motors and variable speed-drives
- Low-VOC, water-based duct mastic and recycled content ductwork
- Compliance with SMCNA IAQ requirements
- High-efficiency lighting with low-mercury fixtures
- Salvaging of demolished components, which will be turned over to GSA for parts
Certifications
Certified LEED-EB Gold
Awards
GSA Environmental Award, 2007