Incorporating Sustainability - The Feds Upgrade Denver Digs
State-of-the-art security solution and LEED designation renew federal office building. The Feds upgrade Denver digs and it’s all for the best as they integrate sustainable design.
Author:George EvansSep 05, 202415.5K Shares337.5K Views
The extensive renovation of the César E. Chávez Memorial Building in Denver, Colorado, effectively transformed it into a state-of-the-art, high-performing green facility and earned the property a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.
The sustainable design strategies secured the building a 75-year lifespan, made use of locally available materials and recycled steel, and projected a 32% reduction in water use and a 30% reduction in energy costs.
In addition to building improvements and sustainable-design strategies, a key priority of the renovation was a complete overhaul of the building’s existing security and surveillance system.
Renovating And Modernizing The Building
The building is a ten-story, 180,000-sq.-ft. facility that is home to seven federal agencies and acts as a gateway to Denver’s Civic and Justice Center-the largest saturation of federal buildings outside of Washington.
The federal agencies in residence provide a variety of services to city, county, state, and national communities, supporting more than 400 employees and nearly 100 visitors each day.
Originally constructed in 1984, the building was due for architectural and security renovations to better accommodate and protect employees and visitors.
A security systems officer with the Federal Protective Service (FPS), a federal law enforcement agency that provides integrated security and law-enforcement services to federally owned and leased buildings, facilities, and properties, commissioned the work.
His primary goal was replacing the existing, aging analog system with a new, IP (Internet Protocol)-based surveillance system to:
- better protect the people, building, and property
- provide more advanced perimeter surveillance around the exterior of the building
While analog security systems are quite effective, it was decided that a building of this size would be better served with an IP-based surveillance system because it:
- eliminates the existence of additional cords and wiring
- creates easier viewing of live feeds from all cameras in one central location
Updating And Enhancing Security
Steve Didier of Didier Denver was brought in to complete the security overhaul.
Didier Denver’s portfolio includes the installation of the Postal Inspectors’ camera system that has been implemented in:
- post offices throughout Colorado
- Empower Field at Mile High (the Denver Broncos’ stadium)
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- other projects with the FPS
To achieve the security goals set forth by the FPS, Didier designed and installed a complete security and surveillance solution from Panasonic in Secaucus, New Jersey, including a network of 46 indoor and outdoor i-PRO HD 720p (1280x720 pixels) security cameras.
The fixed-dome i-PRO cameras capture more frames per second, with a wider range than the previous analog cameras.
The cameras also feature:
- day and night modes
- face detection
- auto back focus
- fog and high-light compensation
- high-profile streams for simultaneous real-time monitoring
To maximize the cameras’ capabilities, Didier also installed four i-PRO NV200 SmartHD network disk recorders in the command-and-control room, where the video from the HD cameras is channeled, displayed in real time on four 47-inch monitors, and stored for playback when necessary and for archiving purposes.
The network disk recorders use real-time face-matching technology and can simultaneously display live images from as many as 16 cameras, allowing all cameras to be monitored at the same time in the command center.
Due to these improvements, the command center allows easy access for a limited security team to control and monitor the entire building from one secure location.
The system’s flexible design enabled the team to leverage existing power lines to reduce installation costs, and the housings were specifically chosen to ensure cameras could be taken out of their enclosures quickly and easily for any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Didier said:
“„Because the system was end-to-end Panasonic, it made things easy for us because everything just works together seamlessly and is easy to deploy.- Steve Didier
Final Thoughts
The security-systems officer with FPS and the local security team at the César E. Chávez Memorial Building were pleased with the results.
Since the system deployed, it has brought reliability and consistency, delivering clear HD images of the interior and exterior of the building with no equipment failures or other issues.
The security solution created a reliable system that delivers complete coverage and recording for the entire building. The integrated network runs smoothly and efficiently to supply full visual access and secure video storage.
The Feds upgrade Denver digs, ensuring improved service in the coming years.
George Evans
Author
George Anderson, an exceptional architectural designer, envisions and brings to life structures that transcend the realm of imagination. With an unwavering passion for design and an innate eye for detail, George seamlessly blends form and function, creating immersive spaces that inspire awe.
Driven by a deep appreciation for the interplay of space, light, and materials, George's innovative approach redefines the possibilities of architectural design. His visionary compositions leave an indelible mark, evoking a sense of wonder and transforming the built environment.
George Anderson's transformative designs and unwavering dedication continue to shape the architectural landscape, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and inspiring generations to come.
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