Reclamation's Lower Colorado Regional Office Leads by Example in Regards to Energy Efficiency

Written by: Emily Quinn

Building 1400 in Lower Colorado RegionThe Lower Colorado Regional Office in Boulder City, Nevada, is a great example of how Reclamation is incorporating energy saving strategies into its infrastructural adaptations in order to maintain Reclamation’s commitment to sustainable building and historic preservation. In addition to the construction of LEED certified Building 1400, the LC Regional Office has continued its innovative, energy-saving momentum by installing more efficient technologies throughout its other buildings, and within its landscaping.

The designers of Building 1400 analyzed the various ways in which they could lessen the energy intensity of the building while simultaneously protecting the integrity of the Boulder City Historic District. Some of the key elements included in the building design included the installation of more efficient windows based on the shape, configurations, and the windows’ ability to provide daylight for the building’s interior – which would assist with efforts to reduce electricity use. Solar PV panels were also installed in the new building, and now supply about 95% of the building’s heat for domestic hot water. The Building 1400 is now LEED Platinum Certified, uses 30% less energy, and 40% less water than comparable modern office buildings. The LC Regional Office replaced water-intense landscaping with plants that are drought tolerant, and replaced old sprinklers with a much more efficient drip irrigation that uses recycled rainwater. Additionally, they installed low-flow toilets and water fixtures. These innovative water conservation efforts have resulted in drastically reduced water consumption within the LC Regional Office area.

They also installed an on-site solar farm which has successfully offset the region’s electrical energy use. Also, solar PV panels were installed to power the region’s outdoor lighting system which equates to even more energy savings.

The federal government is currently recognized as the nation’s largest consumer of energy, which should encourage all offices to consider what changes can be made to reduce energy inefficiencies. The LC Regional Office has showcased a willingness to lead by example, and has proven that infrastructural adaptations result in increased energy efficiency, resource conservation, and stewardship.

Published on January 13, 2017