Denver Public Schools (DPS) set a new standard with the Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy (RASA), a ground-up, 90,000-square-foot school designed and built in two phases. Phase 1 opened in August 2024 for ECE through 5th grade, followed by Phase 2 in August 2025, expanding the school through 8th grade. From the start, the project team planned ahead—accounting for future mechanical loads, water heater capacity, and even sanitary sewer piping depth—ensuring a seamless expansion. DLR Group led the architectural design, with 360 Engineering providing mechanical and plumbing engineering and consulting expertise.
Energy Modeling and Mechanical Systems
The design team was challenged to create a highly energy-efficient building. Energy modeling was used to evaluate three mechanical system options:
- Packaged Heat Pump Roof Top Units (RTUs) with downstream Variable Air Volume (VAV) boxes with electric zone heating
- A geothermal heat pump system
- Chilled beam cooling with radiant heating flooring
With 360 Engineering’s input and guidance, the team compared installation cost, energy efficiency (measured in Energy Use Intensity, or EUI, given as a measure of energy use per square foot per year), maintenance needs, and long-term operating costs. The VAV RTU system emerged as the best fit—offering strong efficiency, the lowest upfront cost, and familiarity for DPS’s facilities staff.
The system incorporates air-side economizers and energy recovery wheels to improve performance further, taking advantage of Colorado’s dry climate. Smart controls also monitor CO₂ levels in each space, adjusting outdoor air intake to strike the right balance between energy savings—less outdoor air to heat or cool—and indoor air quality, ensuring efficient operation while keeping classrooms filled with fresh air to support active, engaged learning.
All Electric
Designed with the future in mind, RASA is the district’s first all-electric school: heat pump technology powers the mechanical systems, domestic water heating is electric, and even the kitchen ranges and ovens are induction.
Now, more than a year after RASA’s grand opening, with the Phase 2 expansion substantially complete, early performance data is beginning to prove the success of the design and construction efforts. While initial energy use reflects commissioning, ongoing construction, and partial occupancy, adjusted metrics show the building’s EUI in the low 30s—right on target with original energy modeling and well below Denver’s K–12 benchmark of 48.1. RASA stands as a safe, energy-efficient learning environment, ready to support and inspire the next generation.
