DENVER – A new event center in Denver is utilizing an innovative system to heat and cool its facilities by harnessing the energy from existing sewer lines, officials announced. The project addresses the challenge of two large, 6-foot wide sewer pipes that previously emptied directly into the South Platte River.

During the development of the event center, engineers discovered the need to incorporate the existing infrastructure rather than relocating it, a costly and disruptive undertaking. This led to the exploration of alternative uses for the wastewater flow. The innovative solution involves capturing the thermal energy – heat – contained within the sewage.

The system works by circulating a fluid through the sewer pipes, absorbing the heat generated by the wastewater. This heated fluid is then used to warm the event center during colder months. Conversely, the system can also be reversed to cool the building in the summer, utilizing the same principle to transfer heat away. This process significantly reduces the facility’s reliance on traditional heating and cooling systems, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing its environmental impact.

While details about the specific technology and efficiency rates haven't been released, the project demonstrates a growing interest in utilizing unconventional resources for sustainable energy solutions. The approach represents a creative response to urban planning challenges and highlights the potential for repurposing existing infrastructure to benefit both the environment and the community. The event center’s implementation of this system is expected to serve as a model for similar projects in other urban areas facing similar infrastructure constraints.