Denver Utilized Sewage Heat for Energy
The National Western Center implemented a system in 2022 to provide heating and cooling to local facilities.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize investments in alternative district energy infrastructure in your area?
In April 2022, Denver launched a sewer heat recovery system at the National Western Center to regulate temperatures for seven campus buildings. The network processes over 3,000 gallons of wastewater per minute to maintain climate control.
Why it matters
District energy systems are more efficient and cheaper to maintain than traditional boilers and chillers. This technology provides a sustainable alternative for heating and cooling large building complexes.
The 3.8 megawatt district energy network covers over one million square feet of space. It is projected to prevent 2,600 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The players
National Western Center
This is a 250-acre campus located in North Denver that serves as a hub for agricultural, educational, and entertainment events.
The details
The facility uses two SHARC 880 units to extract thermal energy from untreated wastewater, which maintains temperatures between the mid-fifties and mid-seventies Fahrenheit year-round. This energy is transferred through a clean water loop to support the 250-acre complex.
Timeline
The sewer heat recovery system officially came online in April 2022.
Market Landscape
This project represents a shift toward district energy networks that replace individual building mechanical systems. It positions the National Western Center as a leader in large-scale urban efficiency within the North American utility sector.
Building owners and developers in the area may look to this model as a blueprint for reducing long-term maintenance costs and energy expenditures. Visitors to the campus benefit from highly efficient climate control systems integrated into the site architecture.
The takeaway
Large-scale infrastructure can significantly reduce emissions by harvesting energy from existing waste streams. Future campus construction at the site is already planned to integrate with this expandable network.
Further reading
Learn more about local infrastructure projects in the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize investments in alternative district energy infrastructure in your area?
