Food Bank of the Rockies plays a vital role in addressing food insecurity across Colorado and Wyoming – the largest food bank coverage area in the contiguous United States. One in eight Coloradans experience food insecurity; this includes one in seven children. As demand for perishable food distribution continues to increase, the organization required expanded cold storage capacity to better serve its network of community partners.

Completed in June 2025, the new 58,000-square-foot cooler and freezer facility in Aurora, Colorado, significantly enhances Food Bank of the Rockies’ ability to store and distribute temperature-sensitive goods. The project includes 20,000 square feet of freezer space and 30,000 square feet of cooler space, each rising 29 feet tall to maximize storage volume and operational efficiency.

Sustainability was a key consideration for the project. Solar power will be able to meet 100% of the building’s energy needs, reinforcing the Food Bank of the Rockies’ commitment to responsible resource use while helping control long-term operating costs.

Envelope Performance Requirements in Cold Storage Construction

Kingspan’s insulated metal panels (IMPs) were selected by Industrial Refrigeration & Design, Inc. as the building envelope to deliver the high level of thermal performance required for freezer and cooler applications. The project features 10,055 square feet of QuadCore KS Shadowline 3-inch panels and 65,092 square feet of QuadCore KS Shadowline Interior 5-inch panels, all in Imperial White. Modern IMPs have evolved to deliver high R-values up to 8.0 per inch, minimize heat transfer and maintain long-term air and weather tightness, making them well-suited for cold storage facilities.

Continuous Insulation and Air Tightness in Temperature-controlled Environments

These panels provide continuous insulation and tight-fitting interlocking joints that help maintain stable interior temperatures and reduce thermal bridging, which is critical in temperature-controlled environments. By reducing unwanted heat gain and helping create an airtight building envelope, these panels support thermal efficiency and operational reliability in facilities that must maintain strict temperature requirements.

“We are truly blessed to be a partner in such a great cause,” said Mark Bennett of Industrial Refrigeration & Design, Inc. “It’s an honor to contribute our expertise to help the Food Bank of the Rockies better serve families and communities in need.”

In the design approach for the facility, emphasis was placed on natural light, effective acoustics, distinctive features, and opportunities for collaboration, all contributing to a comfortable, modern and dynamic ambiance befitting a vibrant non-profit organization. The use of Kingspan’s IMPs played an essential role in this. Their sleek aesthetic not only enhanced the building's visual appeal but also allowed for large, uninterrupted surfaces that welcomed natural light, creating an open and inviting atmosphere.

Construction Sequencing and System Efficiency with IMP Assemblies

In addition to the panel system, 17 high-speed roll-up doors were installed to support operational flow and energy efficiency throughout the facility. Industrial Refrigeration & Design, Inc. led the design of the cold storage space and handled the complete installation of IMPs and refrigeration systems. The streamlined, single-component nature of IMPs reduced the need for multiple trades on site, accelerating dry-in and allowing interior work to proceed sooner. The IMP installation was completed in just under two months, helping keep the overall construction schedule on track.

The integration of Kingspan’s IMPs supports the organization’s mission by delivering the thermal performance, durability and construction efficiency required for a modern food distribution hub. With expanded cold storage capacity, improved logistics and a high-performance building envelope, the new Aurora facility positions Food Bank of the Rockies to strengthen its distribution network and better serve families in need.