The Environmental Services Laboratory – the first LEED-NC Silver-certified laboratory in Colorado – integrated two existing labs, removing duplicate functions, simplifying operations and reducing overhead. The building’s architecture was derived from both functional lab requirements and sustainable design objectives. The building is long and slim with a three-story light well bisecting the long axis which allows day light deep into the facility. The building site includes a visitor courtyard with parking and an outdoor employee area screened with native greenery. The south parking lot features water treatment ponds planted with cottonwood trees that provide natural water treatment.