Golden, Colorado - Archive

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

Region 8 Laboratory

This page houses older environmental information about EPA's Region 8 Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. View the Region 8 Laboratory current facility page.

In March 2002, the laboratory completed the installation of a transpired solar collector on the south wall of a hazardous materials building in an effort to save energy by naturally augmenting the heating and cooling system.
The laboratory makes extensive use of daylighting, reducing electrical lighting needs. Where additional lighting is needed, energy-efficient T-8 fluorescent bulbs are used, along with motion sensors that turn off the lights when a room is unoccupied.
The building is fitted with 1-inch thick, double-paned thermal windows with solar-flexing film. The roof has been insulated to an R value of 30.

In October 2003, the Region 8 Laboratory completed its first water management plan (PDF) (17 pp, 326K, About PDF).

In November 2004, EPA entered into a three-year contract (procured by the Western Area Power Administration ) with Aquila, Inc. for the Region 8 Laboratory. The contract provided the laboratory with 2.1 million kilowatt hours (kWh) per year in renewable energy certificates, offsetting 100 percent of annual electricity consumption and supporting the Colorado Green Wind Project in Prowers County, Colorado.
Previously, the Region 8 Laboratory had been meeting 100 percent of its electricity consumption by purchasing 2 million kWh of wind power. From 2000 to 2003, the laboratory received electricity generated by wind turbines at the Ponnequin Wind Facility.