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Written Works by Andrew Garcia

Solar Panel Ring – Mile High Stadium – Denver, Colorado

An 80×50 Climate Action Plan initiative

Master of Science

Environmental Policy & Management

University of Denver – University College

Solar Panel Ring (SPR) Project

Document Revision History

Version NumberDateDescription
1.08/1/18First draft of plan created
1.18/15/182nd Draft produced containing updated “project definition” work from the 8/1/18
1.28/20/18Additional content provided for review and potential consideration purposes.  “Project Oversight Analysis” (page 10) revised based off of April 2002’s revised policy.
1.38/21/18Draft produced containing work from 8/20/18 work session
1.48/22/18Revised draft containing work from 8/21/18 work session and accepted previous changes
1.58/29/18Revised draft containing work from 8/22/18 work session and accepted previous changes. Several grammatical changes were needed. Re-ordered some aspects of the schedule and updated the list of priorities.
1.69/3/18Revised draft containing work from 8/29/18 work session and follow-up revisions from Bruce and Steve.
1.79/3/18Changed name of Solar Panel project to Solar Panel Ring at Mile High Stadium.
1.810/2/18Slight adjustments to align format with Project Management Framework.  Conducted final review with stakeholders.  Ready for signoff.
   
   
   

PROJECT STATEMENT

Alternative Energy Solutions (AES) will work to continue Denver’s 80×50 Climate Action Plan, through construction and installation of a solar panel ring along the upper brim of Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver, Broncos and host to multiple events throughout the calendar year.

BUSINESS DRIVERS/BACKGROUND

  1. Develop energy performance programs for businesses in the Denver Metro Area
  2. Implement these programs with goals to reduce the carbon footprint and cut back on operating costs
  3. Help business owners comply with state and local government requirements
  4. Simplify the permitting process and provide a central point of collection for data and fees
  5. Reduce the burden on small businesses seeking estimates and quotes on environmental services/infrastructure
  6. Implement one of the recommendations of the Colorado Competitive Council (To preserve and enhance the competitive business climate in the Centennial State).
  7. Reduce the cost of government policies through investments in efficiencies in energy usage, water consumption, and natural resource conservation
  8. Remove barriers and complexities to new environmentally sustainable initiatives
  9. Assist new businesses in complying with permitting requirements.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS

For Businesses: 

  1. More convenient, provides a contact to state government agencies
  2. Provides project management to small local businesses to large corporations
  3. Reduces red tape and permitting on large projects
  4. Offers Businesses a streamlined process to reach their energy reduction goals

BUSINESS IMPACTS

Area/OrganizationImpacts
Alternative Energy Solutions Managementbudget, schedule, and scope of the project
IT Support 
AES Team MembersHelps IT as neededHelps business/stakeholders as neededAssists with public outreach, marketing, and event coordination  
Environmental Impact TeamThe degree of success of which the 80×50 Climate Action Plan is met and extent that the Mayor can reflect direct benefits to constituencies. Measures/monitors energy usage and advises methods for improvementData collection/analysis
EngineeringWorks with AES team and IT to ensure technological initiatives are up to code and fully functional

VISION

“Cities generate more than 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That makes us a key part of the climate solution. Cities can and must act on climate change. The tools to solve this generational challenge are available and affordable today” – Denver Mayor Michael Hancock

GOAL STATEMENT
Denver set a goal to decrease carbon emissions 80% by the year 2050. Colorado is also a prime location for solar energy, with year round sunlight. Constructing and installing solar panels on Mile High stadium will lower the carbon emissions for the stadium by generating its own power for lighting, with the ultimate goal of being net zero in energy usage.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the SPR Project we will have:

  1. A fully functional state of the art solar panel ring at Mile High Stadium
    1. Solar panels that illuminate different colors
    1. Solar panels are programmable to display multiple colors for events
  • Mile High Stadium will be a net zero energy building
    • Measurable cost reduction each year
    • Measurable energy savings each year
    • Measurable reduction in carbon footprint each year
    • Improved public perception of Mile High Stadium and the Denver Broncos
  • We will be leaders in promoting Denver’s 80×50 Climate Action Plan
    • We will have a prime example of a successful stadium installation
    • This project will be the blueprint for all future projects and initiatives
  • We will be pioneers in stadium decarbonization and energy savings
  • Further enhancements to Colorado’s Renewable Portfolio Standard

HIGH LEVEL DELIVERABLES

PhaseDeliverableDescription
1Elaboration & Preparation 
 Gather quotes and estimates from local businesses for the SPRA series of analytical assessments conducted with various business group owners about the scope and budget of the SPR project.
 Choose a business to construct and install the SPRCost is of course a main driver, but also finding a business whose mission is cohesive with our own.
 Zoning PermitsWritten and verbal contacts with the city of Denver, schedule and complete permitting
 Electrical PermitsWritten and verbal contacts with the Permitting office of Denver, schedule and complete permitting
 Electrical PlanA high-level written plan necessary to obtain electrical permitting. Complete an online diagram, supporting calculations, equipment catalog sheets.
 Engineer ConsultationStamp and signature of approval of electrical plan and diagrams from a Colorado-licensed engineer.
 Establish the proper game plan under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) rules and regulationsWritten and approved plan to ensure the SPR is up to code under the IECC. Needs approval from environmental impact team.
 Service Level Agreements Signed with PartnersWritten agreements established between AreSolar, Mile High Stadium, and the City of Denver
 Partners’  Requirements DefinedA list and collection of well-defined, categorized and prioritized features and functions as jointly determined among  AES, AreSolar, Mile High Stadium, and the City of Denver.
 Develop a schedule that works for all parties involvedA written plan that organizes all major events during the project’s life cycle
 Conduct “Lesson’s Learned” between AreSolar, Mile High Stadium, and City of Denver EmployeesA work-session resulting in written lessons’ learned from the first phase of the project. (Estimations, permitting, and IECC codes)
2Design & Development 
 Development PlanA written plan that outlines the project schedule and resource allocation for the SPR.
 Solar Panel ConstructionA plan outlining where solar panels will be constructed and when to start.
 SPR InstallationA plan outlining the installation of the SPR. (Engineering/IT)
 Fiber Optic Cable System/Control Room InstallationA plan outlining the installation of the necessary hardware and connections needed to operate the SRP (IT/Engineering)
 Inspections (City and AreSolar)Ensure SRP is up to code, safe, and up to industry standard. (Engineering/Environmental Impact Team)
 Staffing/MaintenanceIdentifies staff positions and ongoing requirements for certification of knowledge and skills that are required in order to proficiently sustain and address changes to the system during normal operations.
 Test Strategy & Performance PlanA written document with categories of criteria to test, and acceptable standards of performance / metrics to test against.  (Effectiveness, Infrastructure, Core Functionality, energy savings, operating cost reduction, and IECC standards)
 Test ScheduleA written document reflecting time and resources for when to test what.
 Project CompletionMeet with all parties involved (AreSolar, City of Denver, and Mile High Stadium) to successfully terminate the SRP Project.
 Public Forum/Statewide AnnouncementWritten plan on an event to announce to the public what AES, AreSolar, the City of Denver, and Mile High Stadium have completed

SCOPE

In Scope

  1. Find a local solar energy business to construct and install the SRP. Gather estimates and quotes on cost and potential time of completion. Discuss mission of the City of Denver and IECC code. Decide on a company that can work with the initial budget and who has similar core values to our stakeholders.
  2. Work with the City of Denver to complete zoning and electrical permits and submit the electrical plan to the permitting office of Denver.
  3. Construct and install a state of the art solar panel ring along the upper brim of Mile High Stadium, working closely with the City of Denver and Mile High Stadium management to ensure we are up to IECC and Denver’s standards on decarbonization of buildings.
  4. Install necessary hardware and software to ensure the SRP is programmable and able to illuminate specific colors for multiple events.
  5. Have measureable and significant reductions in operating costs, energy use, and carbon footprint.

Out of Scope

  1. Does not include any improvements to water/pluming system for water conservation
  2. Does not include any of the surrounding buildings or communities
  3. Does not include continuous staffing and maintenance for the SRP, Mile High Stadium will need to ensure they have people trained and able to operate the SRP after project completion.

SCHEDULE

Phase &  Key Milestones (MS)Summary ActivityTiming
Phase 1Elaboration & Preparation 
SPRGather quotes/estimates on SPR construction and installation10/15/2018
SPRStakeholder meeting to discuss and decide on a company to construct the SPR, preliminary budget discussion.11/1/2018
SPRFinalize and develop budget for the SPR project, meet with business analyst and stakeholders11/5/2018
SPRMeet with AreSolar to develop an electrical plan to submit to the Permit Office of Denver11/15/2018
SPRSubmit electrical plan and zoning permit requirements11/28/2018
SPRMeet with IT Support/Engineering and develop a written plan for the control room, software, and fiber optic cable system12/1/2018
SPRMeet with Mile High Stadium staff, develop a written schedule that does not conflict with stadium events for the 2019 calendar year12/3/2018
SPRBegin construction on the fiber optic cable system and necessary updates on the control room12/15/2018
SPRLay groundwork for SRP construction, clear the south parking lot for storage of hardware and setup areas to build solar panels12/15/2018
SPRMeet with stakeholders, ensure project start is on time1/2/2019
SPRConduct a “Lessons Learned” Meeting from Phase 1.1/3/2019
Phase 2Design & Development 
SPRContinue Construction of the SPR (Should be 1/3 complete)4/10/2019
SPRControl room and fiber optic cable system complete and debugged6/10/2019
SPRMidway point SPR project meeting with Mile High Stadium Board, City of Denver, and AreSolar (budgets, schedule, and scope)6/15/2019
SPRContinue construction of the SPR (2/3 done)7/15/2019
SPRDevelop a written plan for SPR rollout and public release8/1/2019
SPRComplete construction of SPR10/31/2019
SPRFinal walk through with City of Denver11/14/2019
SPRFinal walk through with AreSolar11/20/2019
SPRFinal walkthrough with Stakeholders11/22/2019
SPRConduct public forum (Pre-Game), Denver Broncos Half Time Show announcement11/24/2019
SPRFinal Reports/Project Termination12/15/2019

COST PROJECTION

 Total Project  CostSubsequent Annual (e.g., Maintenance)
Permitting Costs  
Zone Permit110,000 
Electrical Permit210,000 
Preparation and Logistics  
Colorado – licensed Engineer firm Consultation38,0000
On line diagrams – digital software42,0000
IT Specialist Connsultation52,0000
Other Vendor Services61,9000
Stadium Inspections71,5000
Energy Audit81,5000
Labor/Staffing  
Start-up Process for Equipment Procurement9  
Shipping and Freight Charges1010,5000
Development and Delivery of Staff Training11  
Staff Time in Training12  
Event Coordination (Public Forum/Halftime Show)1318,0000
Staff Support for Service (AreSolar)14500,0003,200
Programming Support (Software Enhancements)1527,0000
Staff Support for Service (Stadium Staff)1650,0000
Other Management Support1700
Other Clerical Support181,500150
Site-Infrastructure  
Solar Panels1925,000,0004,000
Fiber Optic Cables2047,6002,000
Control Room Software211,5000
Control Room Renovations227,0000
Misc Supplies (Caulking, zip ties, etc.)232,0000
                 Termination/Final Inspections Editorial Review 249,0000
Front-end Research and Technical Evaluation256,0000
Start-up Process for SPR system266,0000
Development and Delivery of Staff Training27  
Staff Time in Training28  
Network and Systems Administration29  
Operations Support303,0000
Final Inspections/Final Energy Audit315,000 
INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER SUBTOTAL $ $25,058,100 $6,000
HUMAN RESOURCES SUBTOTAL $ $672,900 $3,500
TOTAL COSTS $ $  25,731,000  $   9,350

PROJECT ORGANIZATION

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Team NameMembershipProject Responsibilities
AES Team        
AreSolar 
AES Core Resolution TeamAreSolar Assistant Manager
Stakeholder Feedback Team   

 

Team NameMembershipProject Responsibilities
Resolution Committee  
Environmental Impact TeamMayor’s Office Representative
Migration Cycle Core TeamAES AdministratorProgram Staff (as assigned by Administrator)Business AdvisorProject ManagerIT Services ManagerAreSolar Project LeadStadium Staff LeadOther AreSolar Team members (as needed)Partners being added in the migration cycle

Project Manager

The project manager for this project is Andrew Garcia. He will be responsible for scheduling; he will schedule all permitting and inspections and also coordinate with event coordinator at Mile High Stadium to ensure any process during this project will impact any events occurring at Mile High Stadium. Mr. Garcia is also in charge of all project tasks (AreSolar and Stadium Teams), and ensuring they are operating on time and on schedule.  He is also in charge of the budget but will need approval if more funds are needed above $28 million. His team consists of          an environmental specialist, training coordinator, City of Denver Liaison, Permit Officer, Electrical Engineer, Compliance Specialist and Compliance Officer, who will assist the AreSolar team and Mile High Stadium team during installation of the fiber optic cables and server control room. If the completion date needs to be changed for any reason, it needs to be approved by Michale Scott the Head of the stadium Board of Trustees. Mr. Garcia will be in charge of status meetings and monthly updates to all personnel and the Board of Trustees of the Denver Broncos.

APPROACH

The overall approach for this project is to address the Denver 80×50 Climate Action Plan and IECC codes with every decision we make in regards to functionality, and technical/technological, and feasibility when constructing and installing the solar panel ring; in order to minimize expense, time and risk. 

This project contains two phases and additional phases should not be needed. In Phase 1, the permitting process and engineering consultations will take place; along with budgeting, estimates, and inspections. Phase 2 will be the construction and installation of the SRP, along with event/schedule coordination with stadium staff to ensure conflicts do not arise.  Ultimately, the result of this project will be a state of the art, fully functional, debugged, solar panel ring along the upper brim of Mile High Stadium which will make the stadium a net zero energy building; and help Denver reach the 80×50 Climate Action Plan goals.

PROJECT ASSUMPTIONS AND CONSTRAINTS

ASSUMPTIONS

  1. There are sufficient numbers of partners interested in and financially committed to participating in providing hardware for the SPR project
  2. AES will work with local companies to gather estimates and quotes on the SPR project that best fit with the core values of the stakeholders.
  3. Partners are able to make necessary changes in order to adapt to various changes throughout the project life cycle with approval from the project manager.
  4. The permitting process will be straight forward and not delay the project start date.
  5. AES will work with the City of Denver and the Mayor’s office to complete permitting and inspections
  6. There are sufficient resources and timeframes needed to complete the project.
  7. Appropriate AES, Mile High Stadium, and AreSolar staff will be available during the Requirements, Design, Testing, and Training phases.
  8. Software programming and debugging will be completed by AreSolar IT support
  9. The project will follow the current IECC building codes and standards
  10. The project will follow the 80×50 Climate Action Plan requirements

Constraints

  1. This project is dependent on fair weather to work on construction and installation of solar panels and the fiber optic cable system
  2. The project is dependent on the shared resources between all partners
  3. The SPR project must comply with IECC standards.
  4. Dealing with multiple partners could hinder communication and coordination
  5. This is a relatively new usage for solar technology; there could be some drawbacks on programming and installation.
  6. Current electrical system setup may need updating to accommodate new hardware

Performance Measures/Outcomes

  1. Identified a compelling and streamlined approach to making existing infrastructure a net zero energy possibility. This proposition warrants and motivates partners interest, involvement and financial commitment.
  2. The SPR project provides the necessary end-services and information as defined by the formal requirements developed from the City of Denver and Mile High Stadium.
  3. A number of new Partners are on board that use AES services. (Identifying how a new Partner would benefit – e.g., operating cost reductions, meeting environmental sustainability goals, redirection of resources, savings, etc.)
  4. AES services have added monetary value to environmental sustainability to partners and the business community.
  5. Having simplified the permitting process for the business community.  (Perceptions of)
  6. Whether or not we can do this SPR project with multiple partners at one time without having to start a new project.
  7. Construct a fully functional LED solar panel ring
  8. Measurable reduction of energy costs, operating costs, and decrease in carbon footprint

ACCEPTANCE

We, the undersigned project members, have reviewed this document and approve its contents.

Charter Approval

Project MemberSignatureDate
AES Director, Tony Stark  
AES Deputy Director, Steve Rogers  
AES Business Sponsor & Project Director, Bruce Banner  
AES Chief Information Officer, Peter Parker  
Mile High Stadium CEO, Natasha Romanova  
 Mile High Stadium Director, Clinton Francis  

Work Break Down Structure (WBS)

  1. Solar Panel Ring at Mile High Stadium
    1. Solar panel permitting/electrical permits (early stages)
      1. Contact city of Denver commercial zoning office to schedule zoning permit appointment
      1. Submit electrical plan for review at the log in counter (Permitting office Denver)
      1. Meet with zoning permit contractor at Mile High Stadium to complete process
      1. Meet with electrical permit contractor at Mile High Stadium to complete process
      1. Finalize all permits, ensure construction and installation is cleared to proceed
    1. Contact AreSolar estimate on solar panel ring
      1.  Schedule estimate for date immediately after all permitting is complete
      1.  Meet with AreSolar, discuss project scope and set deadlines
      1. Lay groundwork for construction, prepare/clear south parking lot for construction equipment storage
    1. Initial walkthrough/First month meetings w/Owner & stadium management
      1. Meet with owner to finalize budget w/final estimates from AreSolar
      1. Meet with Mile High Stadium management to prevent scheduling conflicts with stadium events
      1. Meet with project staff, begin task delegation
    1. Solar panel construction
      1. Start constructing solar panels in south parking lot (AreSolar staff/contractors)
        1. 2nd monthly meeting with project staff
        1. Update budget as needed
        1. Meeting with Owner/stadium management
      1. 3rd – 6th monthly meetings with project staff
      1. Continue construction, relocate solar panel construction site to north parking lot
      1. Schedule a meeting with stadium IT management for installation in the control room
    1. Control room installation/Continue Construction
      1. Meet with IT staff in the control room to plan the fiber optic hardware installation
        1. 1.5.1.1.            Begin installation of fiber optic cable system
        1. 7th-8th monthly meeting with staff
        1. Meeting with owner/stadium management
      1. Finish fiber optic cable system
        1. Schedule inspection for fiber optic cable system
        1. Finalize inspection
        1. Finalize fiber optic cable system is in working order
    1. Finish construction of solar panel ring
      1. Cleanup north and south parking lots (AreSolar staff/stadium staff)
        1. Schedule meeting with stadium IT manager
        1. Troubleshoot control room (bug fixes) with stadium IT staff
        1. Confirm control room is working properly
        1. Final walk through/performance test of control room/fiber optic cable system setup
      1. Finalize Solar Panel Ring
        1. Schedule a meeting with AreSolar construction manager
        1. Schedule a time that works with stadium IT staff as well
        1. Troubleshoot/bug fixes of all three sections working simultaneously (solar panel ring, fiber optic cables, control room, LED system)
        1. Final walkthrough/performance test of all three systems operating simultaneously
    1. Prepare for final permitting approvals with the City of Denver
      1. Schedule a time to meet with zoning permit office
        1. Schedule a time to meet with electrical permit office
        1. Final walkthrough with Zoning permit contractor
        1. Final walkthrough with electrical permit contractor
      1. Environmental Audit
        1. Schedule an appointment with state EPA office
        1. Schedule a same time appointment with AreSolar
        1. Meet with EPA and AreSolar at stadium
        1. EPA Audit/energy performance review
        1. Finalize EPA audit
      1. Termination
        1. Meet with owner/stadium staff (budget, project completion, EPA audit)
        1. Public forum on the new solar panel ring
        1. Colorado Media press conference (Project manager/stadium management)
        1. Statewide announcement (during half time at Broncos week 14 game)
        1. Project completion
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