Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Energize Denver Awards! These awards celebrate Denver-based buildings that took sustainability measures to drive down their greenhouse gas impact, including energy efficiency, electrification, and water conservation. Winners will be featured in upcoming webinars and in our webinar library.
All-Electric: Unico Properties, 1875 Lawrence St.
Unico recently installed a new building-automation system and replaced several pieces of equipment with newer, higher-efficiency models. This building is a LEED- and Fitwel-certified all-electric class A mixed-use office building in LoDo. 1875 Lawrence also subscribes to community solar through a 40-acre solar farm in Aurora, which is owned and operated by Unico Solar Investors.
Energy Efficiency: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, 700 Broadway
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reduced its building’s energy use by 26% from 2020 to 2021 through efficiency upgrades like a building automation system and replacing equipment with newer, more efficient models. Improving building performance aligns with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s dedication to community health and their environment, social, and governance strategy.
First Place, Equity and Community Impact: Pancratia Hall Lofts, 3144 West Frances Walsh Place
This building is an all-electric, 100% deed-restricted, affordable apartment complex on the Loretto Heights campus. From preserving the historic building’s carbon-intensive existing infrastructure to installing highly efficient lighting and HVAC systems, this building has strived to achieve high performance while providing its residents with comprehensive amenities, including free EV charging and an onsite fruit orchard.
Second Place, Equity and Community Impact: Centro San Juan Diego, 2830 Lawrence St
Centro San Juan Diego is a Ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver. This building recently made energy efficiency upgrades through Energy Outreach Colorado, including brand-new LED lighting, additional building insulation, and two replacement high-efficiency HVACs. This center provides vital resources to Spanish-speaking community members, including English classes, financial literacy, legal counsel, and more.
Smart Leasing: The Casey, 2100 Delgany St
The Casey is a 187-unit apartment complex with integrated green lease language to engage residents in more sustainable practices. It has also installed smart technology to improve units’ energy use, thermal comfort, and safety. Information disclosure clauses have allowed for better tenant energy and water use metrics tracking. Residents receive sustainability education through printed guides and various environmental holidays and awareness campaigns as part of GID’s environmental, social, and governance initiatives.