How we helped reduce a Denver hospital’s carbon footprint

At Treanor, we believe in pushing the boundaries of healthcare architecture to deliver meaningful, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions. That’s exactly what Kenyon Anderson, lead medical planner for our Health studio, accomplished in the design of Denver Health (DHHA)’s new hybrid operating room (OR) and two general ORs. His desire to pursue sustainable solutions—like transitioning from piped nitrous oxide systems to localized bottle use—has made waves, catching the attention of The Colorado Sun.

Read the full article here.

Nitrous oxide, while commonly used in medical settings, is a potent greenhouse gas with nearly 300 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. Traditional hospital designs rely on piped nitrous oxide systems, leading to significant waste and emissions. Kenyon’s research-backed recommendation to switch to local bottle use not only reduces emissions but also enhances operational efficiency and safety.

This shift is an essential step toward more sustainable healthcare environments, aligning with DHHA’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. By eliminating unnecessary infrastructure, the change also decreases construction costs—demonstrating that sustainability and smart financial decisions can go hand in hand.

Kenyon’s approach wasn’t just an isolated idea—it was the result of rigorous research and collaboration with DHHA’s clinical and facilities teams. By engaging with healthcare professionals and reviewing best practices, the entire  team worked together to meet safety regulations, improve workflow, and maintain patient care standards.

This solution sets a precedent for hospitals across Colorado, the nation, and the globe. As healthcare systems seek to minimize their environmental impact, projects like this offer a practical, scalable blueprint for change. We believe that patients, healthcare professionals, and communities all benefit when healthcare facilities adopt forward-thinking strategies to reduce environmental harm.

Learn more at the CAHED 2025 Tradeshow

Kenyon will participate in a panel discussion about this topic at the Colorado Association of Healthcare Engineers & Directors Tradeshow on May 1. Learn more about the event.