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czech-trucker · 7 years ago

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caseinpoints · 8 years ago

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Utah receives its first net-zero community with solar

Utah set a new benchmark in energy efficiency as it cut the ribbon on Living Zenith, the state’s first net zero community, in January.

The homes are powered by a Wheeler Machinery Company solar photovoltaic system, which is designed with capacity to export surplus electricity to an onsite storage grid and to the local power grid, allowing homes to draw upon the resource during solar intermittency.

“Wheeler Power Systems is thrilled to be a part of this innovative, cutting edge project,” said Jonathan Campbell, Vice President of Sales and Rentals at Wheeler. “This development is a shining example of what can be achieved when economic development is balanced with environmental stewardship. We look forward to future projects that, like this one, exceed the expectations of our customers while contributing to the sustainability of our beautiful state.”

Constructed by Redfish Builders, each unit is made with high thermal barriers, efficient appliances, triple-paned windows, and LED lighting. Redfish Builders seeks to proliferate these integrated and passive-house designs across the state by addressing affordability, replicability, and scalability across Utah.

“The homes are gaining traction for their cost savings, as well as the improvements they make to our air quality,” said Tiffany Ivins, founder of Living Zenith. Her husband and business partner, Mitchell Spence, added: “We realized that innovation for Utah housing must include a comprehensive strategy to address not only energy efficiency, but improved quality of life for all Utahns.”

Currently, buildings account for 39% of air pollution in the Salt Lake Valley. To reduce this impact and manage projected population growth, Utah leaders are developing and deploying innovative building solutions. These solutions are being disseminated by Living Zenith through educational tours and realtor trainings that will follow the ribbon cutting.

“The Living Zenith project is a further demonstration of Utah’s leadership on energy innovation, delivering solutions to advance energy efficiency, address air quality, and meet the demands of our growing population,” said Dr. Laura Nelson, the Governor’s energy advisor and executive director of the Governor’s Office of Energy Development. “We’re proud to promote Governor Gary R. Herbert’s collaborative spirit across industry to continue to elevate Utah’s high quality of life.”

This project is a culmination of Living Zenith’s collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Energy Development, Salt Lake City’s Sustainability Department, WheelerCat, Portland Energy Conservation, Inc., Utah Clean Energy, the University of Utah, and other innovators seeking solutions.