The Energize Denver initiative has led to a noteworthy transformation at the historic Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Tasked with meeting modern energy efficiency standards, Antonio Cabrera, the maintenance worker and groundskeeper for the Cathedral, initially faced the challenge with a heavy heart. However, his journey through compliance, facilitated by the Denver Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR), has culminated in a significant reduction of the church's monthly electricity bill from $1,200 to roughly $100.
The requirements set forth by Energize Denver were straightforward, offering three pathways for buildings under 24,999 sq. ft., like the Cathedral Basilica. According to the City and County of Denver, these included upgrading to energy-saving LED lighting, integrating renewable power, or reducing energy use by at least 15%. Cabrera chose to upgrade the lighting that had been untouched since the 1940s, remarking, "We had bare wires, exposed wires, wires not grounded."
Working closely with CASR and an electrical contractor, Cabrera set in motion a $60,000 project that entailed replacing aged wiring and retrofitting the church's lighting system. The high vaulted ceilings presented their challenges, but the existing recessed lighting infrastructure made construction alterations unnecessary, saving on costs. The upgrades have not only slashed energy expenses but also elevated the visual experience for parishioners, brilliantly illuminating stained glass windows and intricate interior details.
