Time: Wednesday, 13/Aug/2025: 9:10am - 10:10am |
Location: Cripple Creek 1 |
This session explores innovative approaches to transforming existing buildings into high-performance, sustainable spaces. The first presentation highlights the remarkable adaptive reuse of Building 48, a World War II munitions plant converted into an award-winning office space achieving LEED Gold and SITES Silver certifications. Attendees will learn about the net-zero strategies employed, the advanced MEP systems that elevate sustainability and performance, and the building envelope and lighting upgrades that enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The second presentation offers a broader framework for revitalizing historic structures, equipping attendees with practical methods to breathe new life into aging assets. Emphasizing a tailored, iterative cycle of assessments, audits, and maintenance, it underscores how existing buildings—often overlooked compared to new construction—hold immense potential for innovation and sustainability. Together, these talks provide inspiration and actionable insights for architects, designers, and building owners seeking to elevate the performance and future of historic structures.
Beyond New Construction: Tailoring Solutions for Existing Building Efficiency
Moseley, United States of America
Existing buildings are easy to overlook; whereas new buildings can implement new technologies and design trends to reduce energy consumption and embodied carbon, existing buildings offer fewer or more complex options. However, existing buildings comprise most of our building portfolio and offer designers, owners, and operators a chance to find a creative way to achieve efficiency and sustainability. Success for existing buildings can be seen through a tailored, continuous cycle of assessments, audits, maintenance, and planning.
Denver Federal Center Building 48 Modernization
1The RMH Group, United States of America; 2CannonDesign; 3GSA
A World War II munitions plant, Building 48 has been reimagined as an industry-leading office, achieving both LEED Gold and SITES Silver certifications. Key elements include:
Pathway to Net-Zero: Examination of the strategies implemented to achieve net-zero energy and operational carbon.
Sustainable Systems: Discussion of the advanced MEP systems integrated into the renovation meeting sustainability benchmarks and enhancing overall building performance.
High-Performance Building: Overview of the enhancements to the building envelope and lighting design that significantly improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
The presentation will equip attendees with actionable ways to collaborate to revitalize historic buildings while exceeding performance expectations.