Utah Clean Energy initiative brings emission-free homes to Daybreak and Marmalade

SALT LAKE CITY—August 2, 2024—Each August, Utahns from across the Wasatch Front flock to the Salt Lake Parade of Homes to see the latest trends and innovations in homebuilding. This year’s parade features something it has never had in its 78-year history: emission-free homes, which are 40% more energy efficient than traditional new builds in Utah.

These cutting-edge houses achieve some of the country’s highest standards for energy performance and reduced emissions. The new energy efficient, all-electric technologies installed were funded by the Low- and Zero-Emission Housing Initiative spearheaded by Utah Clean Energy with support from the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity.

So far, the project has built three climate-friendly homes. Two are on display in Daybreak’s model village that is a staple feature of the Salt Lake Parade, and another home–not part of the Parade but open to tour–is in the Marmalade District in Salt Lake City. In addition to being highly insulated and airtight, the three all-electric homes feature energy efficient, electric appliances and equipment, including air source heat pumps for space heating, heat pump water heaters for water heating, electric cooking equipment, an electric fireplace, and pre-wiring for EV charging and rooftop solar.

“Area sources of emissions, which includes Utah’s homes and buildings, will soon surpass the transportation sector as the leading source of Utah’s local air emissions,” said Kevin Emerson, Building Decarbonization Director of Utah Clean Energy. “Changing home building methods is one of the best ways to reduce local pollution. These are must-see homes for Utahns interested in living an emission-free lifestyle.”

Utah Clean Energy partnered with local homebuilders Garbett Homes, Ivory Homes, and Sego Homes, who have constructed the three homes over the past six months. These builders optimized design by incorporating modern building science practices and leveraging proven, innovative building systems and technologies. The initiative aims to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of high-performance building practices, hoping other builders will follow suit.

The homes meet the requirements of an advanced federal home certification program, either the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Homes or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR NextGen Homes.

Visitors can tour the two Daybreak houses in the Salt Lake Parade of Homes from August 2 to 17 by purchasing tickets online: https://saltlakeparade.com/web/, and the Marmalade house is available to tour now, by scheduling an appointment here: https://garbetthomes.com/collections/bishop-place.

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Media Contact

Tiff Smith | tsmith@lovecomm.net | 406-491-1251

About Utah Clean Energy

Utah Clean Energy is Utah’s leading, expert, public interest organization working to turn the tide on climate change by expanding renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage, and clean vehicles 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.

PARTNER QUOTES

Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity:

“The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity is excited to support this project, and we look forward to seeing how these leading builders spur innovations that scale up to improve air quality in the state.”

-Jim Grover, managing director of grants and incentives, Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity

Garbett Homes:
“As a homebuilder committed to environmental responsibility, we’re proud to work with Utah Clean Energy to continue pioneering energy-efficient, zero-emission homes in Utah, a new standard to which we have started building all new home communities going forward. This partnership has expanded our vision of building a sustainable future for our customers, employees, and the environment.”
– Bryson C. Garbett, President and CEO of Garbett Homes

Sego Homes:
“Sego Homes is thrilled to be part of this initiative to transform the housing market towards sustainability. Together with Utah Clean Energy, we’re shaping a brighter, cleaner future for Utah, setting a new standard for homebuilding in this state and beyond.”
– Wayne Corbridge, President of Sego Homes

U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home program:

“One barrier for homebuilders in building super-efficient homes is that they don’t yet have a blueprint and this project helps new homes serve as tangible examples of low- and zero-emission projects, inspiring other builders to adopt these practices across the Wasatch Front and beyond.”

– Jamie Lyons, Technical Director, U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home Program

ENERGY STAR NextGen program:

“Increasing the adoption of clean, energy-efficient technologies in newly-constructed homes is an important part of addressing the climate challenge. The ENERGY STAR NextGen certification builds on the 30-year legacy of the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program and aims to show that we can build the homes that we need for tomorrow, today.  Strategic partners like Utah Clean Energy are helping to pave the way to a clean energy future by participating in this important new initiative.”

-Jonathan Passe, Manager of ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Programs at the U.S. EPA.