Resource

BigHorn Home Improvement Center Energy Efficiency

December 31, 1969

Location: Silverthorne, CO

Building type(s): Commercial office, Industrial, Retail

New construction

44,400 sq. feet (4,130 sq. meters)

Project scope: a single building

Suburban setting

Completed April 2000. The Center was constructed in three distinct phases. This description focuses only on the third phase.

Rating: Green Building Challenge — Level: 2.6 in GB Tool 1.76

Built on a previously developed site in Silverthorne, CO, the BigHorn Home Improvement Center is an example of responsible development.

The Center was built in three phases. The third phase, housing a hardware store and lumber yard, is especially interesting to the green building audience and is the only portion discussed here.

Environmental Aspects

This commercial facility features numerous energy-saving innovations. Extensive daylighting and natural ventilation cooling systems lower energy demand. Bragging a standing-seam roof-integrated photovoltaic system, the largest commercial PV array in the state, BigHorn has set up a net metering agreement to sell electricity back to the utility company.

Additionally, existing on-site wetland areas were expanded and utilized in the development of BigHorn’s stormwater management plan.

The environmental design of the new construction is in keeping with BigHorn’s commitment to green building. The Center specializes in green building products, technologies, and advice.

Owner & Occupancy

Owned and occupied by Don and Betsy Sather, Charlie Cole, Corporation, for-profit

Typically occupied by 95 people, 77 hours per week