The grant will facilitate the construction of zero emission homes and buildings in Utah 

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (January 8, 2025) – Emissions from homes and buildings are one of the contributors to Utah’s air quality challenge. To address this challenge, Utah Clean Energy, with support from UCAIR, is spearheading efforts to spur innovation across the state by empowering builders to construct ultra-low and even zero-emission homes and buildings.  

“There is tremendous potential to improve air quality by spurring the construction of more energy efficient and low-emission homes and buildings. This grant is a practical, impactful way to reduce pollution across Utah,” said Lindsie Smith, Executive Director at UCAIR.  

Through this grant, Utah Clean Energy will provide “mini grants” to residential and commercial developers or contractors in Utah County. These funds will help offset incremental costs associated with updating construction plans for up to three homes or commercial buildings to meet energy-efficient and emission-free standards. Once complete, the projects will serve as showcase buildings that demonstrate the viability of low- and zero-emission construction. By increasing familiarity with these standards, the initiative seeks to overcome barriers to adopting innovative construction practices and emission-free technologies across Utah’s building sector. 

“Reducing emissions from buildings is a crucial component of improving air quality in Utah,” said Kevin Emerson, Director of Building Efficiency and Decarbonization at Utah Clean Energy. “We’re thrilled to partner with UCAIR and builders to remove barriers to low- and zero-emission construction standards. This initiative offers a viable path forward to accelerating the adoption of cleaner, more efficient homes and buildings statewide.” 

To learn more about Utah Clean Energy and their plans to lower emissions in Utah, visit  https://utahcleanenergy.org/reducing-emissions/zero-energy-homes-and-buildings/ 

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Media Contacts: 

Brandy Smith | 801-953-9985 | brandy@utahcleanenergy.org

Andrea Doubek | 801-536-4051 | andrea@ucair.org 

About Utah Clean Energy  
Utah Clean Energy is Utah’s leading, expert, public interest organization working to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in a way that is beneficial not only for Utah’s environment and health, but our economy and long-term energy security. Utah Clean Energy is committed to creating a future that ensures healthy, thriving communities for all, empowered and sustained by clean energies such as solar, wind and energy efficiency. For more information visit www.utahcleanenergy.org. 

About UCAIR 

The Utah Clean Air Partnership (UCAIR) is a statewide clean air partnership created to make it easier for individuals, businesses and communities to make small changes to improve Utah’s air. Every small change adds to a collective bigger step toward better health, a better economy, and better overall quality of life for all of us. Find out more about how you can make a difference by visiting UCAIR.org