DENVER, Colo. (August 28, 2020) — As reported in the Denver Post, the National Western Center Authority recently closed on an energy agreement with EAS Energy Partners—comprised of Enwave, AECOM Technical Services, and Saunders Construction—to source nearly 90 percent of its heating and cooling from an underground sewer pipeline. When complete, the 3.8-megawatt system will be the largest sewer-heat recovery system in North America. The benefits of the system include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency of buildings, and improved air quality and health. Using this system, the 250-acre campus will avoid emitting an estimated 2,600 metric tons of carbon (CO2) per year—the emissions equivalent of driving a car 6.6 million miles.

Representing the National Western Center Authority, Sherman & Howard lawyers Mark Williams and Tom Lindberg negotiated the unique, 40-year, $185 million deal with EAS, as well as related agreements with the City and County of Denver, the Colorado State University System, and the Western Stock Show Association.

The National Western Center Authority is a nonprofit responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day experience of the campus realizes the mission and vision of the National Western Center. The Authority manages everything from programming, to events, to curating the tenant mix, to operations and maintenance.