The City and County of Denver’s 2022 Energize Denver legislation is setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency in commercial and multifamily buildings, including critical sectors such as healthcare. At Kiewit, we recognize the significance of this initiative and the opportunities it presents for healthcare providers to enhance energy performance. With our extensive experience in healthcare construction and commitment to sustainability, Kiewit is well-positioned to help Denver’s healthcare facilities meet the Energize Denver goals while optimizing their operations for long-term success.
Proven Expertise in Healthcare Sustainability
Kiewit has consistently been a leader in delivering energy-efficient solutions for some of the most demanding healthcare environments nationwide. For example, our work at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) involved renovating the Electrophysiology-1 (EP-1) Lab, where we upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, the installation of a new fan coil unit in the adjacent IT room contributed significantly to energy improvements without disrupting patient care or daily operations.
Similarly, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Nebraska showcases our ability to manage large-scale healthcare projects while emphasizing sustainability. Spanning 615,000 square feet, the center features advanced energy systems that reduce consumption across its expansive research and clinical towers. Projects like these demonstrate our ability to create healthcare facilities that are both state-of-the-art and energy-efficient.
Meeting Energize Denver’s Targets in Healthcare
As healthcare organizations in Denver face the challenge of meeting the city’s 2030 energy performance targets, they must reduce Energy Use Intensity (EUI) in high-demand areas like operating rooms and specialized labs. Kiewit’s experience in managing these complexities makes us an ideal partner in developing strategies to reduce energy use while maintaining critical operations.
Our work on the Hubbard Center for Children at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center demonstrates our ability to meet these challenges. The project involved a 427,000-square-foot expansion and 55,000 square feet of renovation to improve energy efficiency while ensuring seamless hospital operations. Similarly, at the Methodist Women’s Hospital NICU, our vertical expansion added 18 new patient rooms without disrupting critical care functions, further reinforcing Kiewit’s expertise in delivering energy-efficient healthcare solutions.
Integrated Approach to Preconstruction
Achieving the goals set by Energize Denver requires a strategic approach to energy management, especially during preconstruction. At Kiewit, we collaborate closely with design teams and owners to integrate energy-efficient strategies early in the project lifecycle. Our work on the LEED Silver-certified Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center exemplifies our ability to incorporate sustainability into large, complex healthcare projects. Advanced energy systems implemented at the facility reduced overall energy consumption while supporting a wide range of healthcare services for veterans.
Driving Energy Efficiency in Denver’s Healthcare Sector
At Kiewit, we understand that reducing energy use in healthcare facilities often requires both incremental upgrades and comprehensive system overhauls. Our work at Nebraska Medicine’s CATH Lab, for instance, involved the installation of seven new operating rooms, all within a fully operational medical campus. By leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM), we ensured that the project improved energy efficiency without compromising day-to-day hospital functions.
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
Kiewit’s collaborative approach ensures that healthcare projects not only meet energy performance targets but also align with the long-term operational goals of each facility. As Denver’s healthcare providers prepare to meet the Energize Denver 2024 and 2030 benchmarks, Kiewit stands ready to partner with them, delivering sustainable solutions that help hospitals thrive while continuing to provide exceptional patient care.
