CLIMATE INNOVATION CENTER

A Zero Energy Rebuild for a Healthy Climate

Central to addressing both climate change and local air pollution is prioritizing fossil-fuel-free, energy-efficient buildings, and the Climate Innovation Center will lead by example! With help from our supporters, Utah Clean Energy is renovating what is an energy-intensive building to make it one of the City’s most energy efficient, climate-wise buildings showcasing state-of-the-art, net-zero design. In addition to being Utah Clean Energy’s headquarters, the building will be a living laboratory and teaching tool for the community to learn how to build and renovate buildings for optimal pollution reduction.

To learn more about how you can help bring this project to completion, contact Erica Marken at erica@utahcleanenergy.org

BUILDING FOR A HEALTHY CLIMATE

Energy used in our existing homes and buildings contributes nearly 40% of U.S. energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, but those emissions can be drastically decreased by renovating building stock to be ultra-energy efficient.  The Climate Innovation Center utilizes building and design techniques that result in net-zero carbon emissions:

all-electric & No fossil fuels

Using allelectric appliances for space heating, water heating, and cooking. 

Ultra-energy efficient

Airtight building envelope, high performance windows, natural ventilation, and “sleep mode” to avoid vampire loads.

Zero Energy Certified

All power needs will be met with on-site solar energy and battery storage.

water CONservation

Minimized water use through water efficient fixtures and appliances. 

Electric vehicle charging

With no tailpipe, EVs are a great air quality and climate solution. 

Eco-friendly landscaping

All green space will be drought tolerant and pollinator friendly.

A TEACHING TOOL

In tandem with the construction progress underway (see here for a photo gallery) we are also developing a custom website and educational video series dedicated to teaching others how to achieve zero energy.  

As the building takes shape, we are documenting key milestones to achieving zero energy. See below for the first two of a nine-part video series detailing the key steps we are taking to make the Climate Innovation Center one of the most energy efficient, high-performance, solar powered buildings in Salt Lake City.

Introduction: What you will learn in the Climate Innovation Center video series

Step 1: Committing to Zero Energy & Bringing Together the Right Team

Stay tuned for more!

THE IMPORTANCE OF RETROFITTING

Thanks to a generous gift from The Alternative Visions Fund, Utah Clean Energy purchased our future home located at 215 South 400 East in Salt Lake City. This unassuming 2,988 square foot building was constructed in the 1950s, and while structurally sound, has not been updated since that era. 

80% of buildings that will be here in 2050 have already been built. It is essential to retrofit existing buildings to dramatically reduce emissions!

To that end we are working with a team of innovative high-performance contractors to reimagine and transform the space through sustainable state-of-the-art architectural and mechanical design and construction.

The starting point: Construction will begin on the current building site in May of 2023!

BUILDING TEAM

We’ve partnered with some of Utah’s best building specialists to ensure the Climate Innovation Center meets the highest standards of net-zero construction!  

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN CATALYST COMMITTEE

Helping to bring the Climate Innovation Center to fruition is a Catalyst Committee made up of dedicated community leaders helping to raise funds and awareness about our project. 

Honorary Co-Chairs

Committee Members

THANK YOU TO OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONORS

Climate Champions

Anonymous

Martindale Family

My Good Fund

Preston Chiaro

Tim & Candace Dee

TLC Impact Fund

Innovators

Anonymous
Bur Oak Foundation
Estate of Naomi Franklin
Linda Leckman
John & Andrea Miller
Mark & Kathie Miller Foundation
Three Peaks Corporate Advised Fund
Christian V. & Lisa D. Young Family Foundation

Sustainers

Glen Watkins

Changemakers

Anonymous
Anonymous
Apex Clean Energy
Avi-on Labs
Barker Family Foundation
Chris & Rochelle Robinson
Creative Energies
Cumming Foundation
Dave & Betsy Folland
Dennis & Deborah Haslam
Enyo Renewable Energy
Eggal Foundation
Fraser Bullock
Grandeur Peak Global Advisors
Greg & Diane Warnock Family Charitable Trust
Halo Fire Protection
I.J. and Jeanné Wagner Foundation
Iron Horse Concrete
Jim Byrne
Joseph & Barbara Andrade
Katie Wright & Bryan Markkan
K&L Acoustic & Drywall
Michael & Andrea Manship
Parsons Behle & Latimer
Peter Tomai
POWDR Corp.
in memory of
Brent Giles
Rocky Mountain Power Foundation
Sarah Wright & Mark Oftedal
Scott & Connie Maves
Stephen G. & Susan E. Denkers Family Foundation
Stewart & Joan Ogden
STF Electric
Sweet Candy Fund for Health & Wellness
Tom & Jamie Love
Tony Sweet
Vicki & Paul Bennett

NOTICE: WE ARE NOT A SOLAR COMPANY

We would like to clarify that Utah Clean Energy is not a solar company. We are a nonprofit organization that advocates for solar and other clean energy technologies, but we do not install or sell solar in any way.
 
Utah Clean Energy Association is not affiliated with our work. This is a sales group that despite our best efforts to get them to stop, continues to use our name in their advertising. We encourage you to report them to Google Ads as misleading. The company that reached out to you is likely a solar company that purchased your contact information as a lead. You may consider reporting that company to the Better Business Bureau for using misleading sales tactics also.
 
We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and appreciate your understanding.
 
Thank you,

The Utah Clean Energy team