|
Co-op Opens New Energy Efficient Office |
 |
 |
 |
|
When Mountain View Electric, headquartered in Limon, opened its new operation center in Falcon, it opened a building that utilizes the latest technology as an energy efficient building. At a time when every kilowatt counts, the electric co-op personnel put a lot of thought and effort into the planning and building of the new building. Many cost-saving measures were installed including a ground source heat pump.
A geothermal heat pump system taps into the heat stored in the earth and is nearly 300-percent efficient. In contrast to the large temperature swings on the earth’s surface, the underground temperature a few feet below the surface remains relatively constant. In the Colorado Springs area, that temperature is approximately 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is an extremely efficient operating temperature for heat pumps.
Geothermal heat pump systems circulate water between an underground water loop, called an earth heat exchanger, and water-to-air heat pumps located throughout the building. During winter months, the heat pump removes heat from the earth and delivers it inside. During the summer months, it delivers cool air.
Contractors drilled 80 wells to feed the circulating water loop. The constant temperature of the earth heats or cools the circulating water loop to balance the building’s year-round heating and cooling requirements. Each room is individually controlled via computer The thermostats are operated on a sensor system so that the rooms are heated or cooled only if there are people present. Circulating air is cleaned by energy recovery ventilators for a “healthy building” and utilize the energy in the air rather than heating or cooling it again. This all saves energy and money.
Another cost saving measure is the use of natural light whenever possible. Skylights and light tubes help cut some of the need for electric lighting.
The light fixtures installed utilize high-efficiency fluorescent lighting in addition to LED workstation lighting. Light sensors are installed in all rooms so the lights automatically turn off if no one is in the room and also adjust according to how much natural light is available.
General Manager Jim Herron noted his pride in this new, showcase electric co-op building and invited anyone interested in the technologies used to stop by and visit the building at 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon. Return to the Cutting Costs article index page |
