Denver Public Schools Completes First All‑Electric School — Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy in Green Valley Ranch

The first all-electric school in Denver Public Schools is complete, marking a milestone for the district’s sustainability goals. Mechanical engineering firm 360 Engineering announced Monday that it finished the project in partnership with PK Electrical and other contractors: the Responsive Arts and STEAM Academy in Green Valley Ranch.

The elementary campus was built in two phases. Phase one opened last August and currently serves early childhood through fifth grade, and phase two will expand the school through eighth grade when it opens in August 2025.

Sustainability Built Into the Design

The school’s design was guided by Denver Public Schools students’ Climate Action Plan, which 360 Engineering says "captured students’ vision and ideas for protecting the climate, defining sustainability goals and becoming environmental stewards." The project team evaluated installation costs, energy performance, maintenance needs and long-term operating expenses to deliver a highly energy-efficient, all-electric building.

Key Building Systems

Major systems and technologies installed at the campus include:

• Heat-pump rooftop units that power the building’s mechanical systems.
• Electric water heating and fully electric kitchen ranges and appliances.
• Air-side economizers and energy-recovery wheels to reduce heating and cooling loads and improve indoor air quality.
• Smart controls that continuously monitor CO₂ levels and adjust outdoor-air intake to maintain fresh classrooms while minimizing energy use.

Learning Through the Building

Beyond efficiency, the school intentionally exposes some mechanical systems — such as ductwork — so students can see and ask questions about how the building works. 360 Engineering said this visibility could inspire students toward careers in engineering or sustainability.

“This visualization could be the spark in a student that makes them want to pursue a career in engineering, or find ways to contribute to a safer, cleaner, more energy efficient environment,” 360 Engineering said.

The Responsive Arts and STEAM Academy will employ an Arts Integration and STEAM instructional model, using science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics as entry points for student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking. The campus aims to pair hands-on learning with reduced operating costs and improved indoor air quality as part of Denver Public Schools’ broader climate and educational goals.