Las Animas County

In 2022, Millig Design Build was selected by Las Animas County, Colorado, to undertake the revitalization of its historic courthouse, with a primary focus on improving comfort, health, and safety for its occupants, addressing aging infrastructure, and minimizing utility expenditures.

At the time of engagement, the courthouse's heating relied on an antiquated steam system, which was regulated by a single thermostat located in a hallway on the first floor. This setup led to significant comfort issues including inadequate heating on the second and third floors. Moreover, the steam piping had signs of scale build-up and corrosion, indicating the end of its service life.

Furthermore, the courthouse lacked proper cooling and ventilation. The absence of a central cooling system made the building uncomfortable, especially during summer. The problem was particularly acute in the courtrooms on the third floor, where the combination of high occupancy and space utilization amplified the discomfort.

Funding:

To minimize the financial burden for the county, the Millig team assisted in applying for three Colorado grant programs. The first successful application was the Colorado Underfunded Courts (UFF) grant in the amount of $900,000. The second was the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) where the county was awarded the per project maximum of $1M. Lastly, the Millig team developed a compelling grant application for the newly founded Colorado Energy Office (CEO) Building Electrification grant. This application was the first to be received and approved by the state, demonstrating Milligs commitment to identifying and securing necessary funding for our clients.

Solutions: 

After thoroughly evaluating the building's layout and energy use, the Millig team proposed replacing the existing steam system with a water-source variable refrigerant flow (WS-VRF) system coupled with a rooftop solar PV system to offset some of the building's electricity consumption and costs.

To further optimize energy usage, the Millig team proposed switching the existing lighting system in the courthouse to energy-efficient LED lights. These enhancements not only promise better energy efficiency and lower operational costs but also allow more control allowing individual offices to control their own temperature with proper indoor air quality as well.