As our world moves toward innovative energy practices, one area of focus is that of the spaces we work, live and play. Advanced buildings incorporate green ideas from the foundation up that lead to more efficient and flexible use of energy resources.

Places like the Colorado State University Powerhouse Energy Campus are designed with the future in mind. The Powerhouse consists of a state-of-the-art 100,000 square-foot green building that is a model for sustainable building practices and innovative architectural design.

LEED is currently the most widely used advanced buildings rating system in the world and is used as a framework to ensure buildings are sustainable and cost-saving. The Powerhouse is a platinum LEED certified building – the highest rating possible – due to features like radiant slab heating, advanced temperature controls with weather prediction, and active daylight harvesting.

At the CSU Energy Institute, we strive to put our research into practice beyond our own walls through collaboration and by providing support for places like CSU’s Institute for Built Environment (IBE). IBE was developed with the goal to bridge the gap between universities and industry – something the Energy Institute was founded on.  The IBE has helped design buildings in Fort Collins like the Lory Student Center at CSU’s main campus and the City of Fort Collins’ Utilities Administration building.