Morgan Creek Ventures

Key Project Information Project Title:Rocky Mountain Institute Offices
Project Location: Boulder, Colorado
Building Type: Office low-rise, 2,767 sq. ft. 3rd floor build out (257 sq. m.)
Total 3rd Floor Cost: US$112,900 (for tenant build-out)
LEED Status: LEED for Commercial Interiors v2.0 Platinum
DOE Climate Zone: Zone 2 (5,500 HDD, 600 CDD)

Project Overview

Morgan Creek Ventures, Rocky Mountain Institute Offices - Boulder, Colorado

Sustainability pioneers Rocky Mountain Institute used their tenant space to demonstrate ideals and concepts they commonly recommend to clients while also achieving the first LEED for Commercial Interiors Platinum rating in history. A successful partnership with their landlord, Morgan Creek Ventures, allowed RMI to dramatically reduce energy and water consumption through a variety of strategies:

• Daylight dimming and occupancy sensors
• Thermal comfort controls
• Rapidly renewable materials
• Recycled content materials
• Modular furniture
• Green cleaning practices
• Efficient water fixtures

Results

“Our sense is that within the next three to five years, this kind of building will be the new normal and anyone who hasn’t done this will have a building that doesn’t appreciate as fast and isn’t worth as much.” —Andy Bush, Principal, Morgan Creek Ventures An open office floor plan, which allows light from south- and west-facing windows to infiltrate 75 percent of regularly occupied space, along with the installation of T5 HO lamps, dimmable ballasts, and photocell and occupancy sensors, reduces energy consumption for lighting by 70 percent. An underfloor air system improves thermal comfort, giving each occupant control of his or her individual environment. Frequent in-house tours educate clients, interested parties and the general public about the accessibility and benefits of sustainable technologies.