A Zero Energy Remodel for a Healthy Climate
Energy used in our homes and buildings contribute 40% of U.S. emissions. we CAN revamp the built environment TO HELP MEET THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE.
Climate Innovation Center
Central to addressing both climate change and local air pollution is prioritizing fossil-fuel-free, energy-efficient buildings, and the Climate Innovation Center is leading by example! With help from our supporters, Utah Clean Energy renovated what was an energy-intensive building to make it one of Salt Lake 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 is a living laboratory and teaching tool for the community to learn how to build and renovate buildings for optimal pollution reduction.
Key Building Features
Best viewed on larger screens.
Roof insulation
High-performance roof insulation prevents heat gain and heat loss through the ceiling/roof. We installed 8 inches rigid foam insulation -- for an R-value of R36 – as part of the roof assembly.
Insulating existing walls
Low GWP spray foam insulation is behind every inch of wall space at the Climate Innovation Center. This airtight insulation strategy provides resistance to heat flow and reduces heating and cooling needs while adding comfort to the building
Building envelope air tightness
The Climate Innovation Center’s roof, walls, windows, doors, penetrations, and even the foundations connection were constructed with an attention to maximize airtightness. We performed a whole building air leakage test which showed a superior level of airtightness of 0.13 cfm/ft2. Air tightness coupled with an energy recovery ventilation system ensures an efficient and healthy building.
Triple pane accordion glass wall
The high-performance, triple pane “Nana wall” gives our office an energy-efficient and airtight folding glass wall, which provides natural light and, when the weather is right to have it open, also provides a connection between the indoors and the outdoors.
Efficient windows
Airtight and energy efficient windows are an essential component of the building envelope that reduces energy needed to heat and cool the building. Our double-pane windows have thermally broken frames, a U-factor range of U-0.34-0.38 and SHGC of 0.27, and were tested for water-tight construction as part of the building envelope commissioning scope.
Slidable shade structures
These slidable shade structures were designed to be moveable in order to block incoming solar energy and solar heat gain. They help to reduce energy needed to cool the Climate Innovation Center during the summertime.
Energy efficient ventilation with a DOAS & ERV
To bring fresh outdoor air into the building in the most energy efficient way, we incorporated a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) that integrates with our VRF system. The DOAS also includes an evaporative cooling stage to pre-cool incoming air to maximize cooling efficiency in warm summer months. To accomplish our goal of minimizing HVAC energy use, we included an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) into our DOAS. The ERV pre-conditions the fresh air as it comes into the building with the energy captured from the exhausted air as it leaves the building.
All Electric VRF System
As an all-electric building, a VRF heat-recovery HVAC system is the heart of our approach to providing heating and cooling without using gas combustion. A VRF mechanical system (also called variable refrigerant volume or VRV) is an HVAC heat pump technology that optimizes the use of refrigerant during a heating or cooling period. We selected a highly efficient system that can flexibly provide heating and cooling throughout the building when deemed necessary.
VRF fan coil units
The Climate Innovation Center has 13 VRF fan coil units throughout the building which efficiently share refrigerant between zones in the building to maximize the energy efficiency of the rooftop VRF heat recovery unit. This efficient heating and cooling technology helps to keep our heating and cooling demands at a minimum without the need for gas combustion.
Natural ventilation
Incorporating natural ventilation into our buildings heating/cooling system not only saves energy, but increases comfort and brings fresh air into the building. When the temperature is optimal in the spring or fall, this system allows us not to use the VRF system to heat or cool the building. A signal near each thermostat indicates when the conditions are right natural ventilation.
Ceiling fans
Using ceiling fans is an energy efficient way to support the comfort of staff at the Climate Innovation Center. We plan to use ceiling fans year-round but especially when temperatures are warm in summer months. When it’s warm outside, ceiling fans will provide air flow in the workstation areas, allowing a higher temperature set-point, which translates to reduced need for compressor-based cooling and reduced energy consumption.
Battery storage
A Lithium Iron Phosphate battery ensures that the Climate Innovation Center has clean electricity available both day and night, while also allowing our building to interact with the electric grid to help meet peak demand. The battery has a usable capacity of 90 kWh and a nominal power rating of 30 kW.
Solar panels (roof)
The Climate Innovation Center’s 70 bifacial solar panels have a total capacity of 37.1 kW with an estimated annual electricity generation of 53,318 kWh. Our roof hosts 54 solar panels (530 watts each).
Solar panels (canopy)
Due to the small footprint of our building and the need to use a portion of the roof for mechanical equipment, we added a solar canopy behind the building to hold an additional 16 panels, enabling us to reach our solar production requirements.
Water-wise and pollinator-friendly landscaping
We carefully selected plants that are suitable for our arid climate, which allows us to eliminate landscaping water consumption after the plants are established and also supports the local pollinator population, such as native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The majority of rainwater that hits the building is directed into the front planter box.
Low-flow fixtures
Throughout the Climate Innovation Center we selected water-efficient kitchen and bathroom faucets and low-flow toilets to dramatically lower our culinary water needs.
Reclaimed wood
During the demolition phase, we made a point to preserve as much of the existing wood as possible to then repurpose it for framing the building
Mass timber
The resource extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of wood materials emits less carbon pollution than their steel and concrete counterparts. In addition to using wood framing throughout, we installed FSC-certified mass timber structural wood components including glulam beams, cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels for the roof deck, and wooden structural posts, which continue to store carbon during the building’s lifetime.
Carpets and materials
New carpet can be one of the single largest contributors of embodied carbon among commonly used interior finishes. The carpet tiles we selected from Interface are third-party registered as “carbon neutral” through ISO-recognized carbon offsets. One of the carpet tiles selected is 70% recycled and another is made from bio-based materials, and both are recyclable at the end of the product life.
Salvaged wood used for framing
During the demolition phase, we made a point to preserve as much of the existing wood as possible to then repurpose it for framing the building.
Recycled Countertops
All countertops at the Climate Innovation Center are made of recycled paper. That’s right, our countertops are made of a highly sustainable, recycled paper product that is durable and beautiful as well!
Acoustic baffles
We selected acoustic baffles that are made from 70% post-consumer recycled material to provide sound dampening in the workstations, break room/kitchen, and conference rooms.
Low/zero VOC paint
Recycled gypsum drywall
Energy Efficient and Smart Lighting
We utilize LED lighting throughout the building, which uses at least 75% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. In addition, we use smart lighting controls to reduce lighting needs based on occupancy, daylighting levels, and “high end trim” features to keep overall lighting energy use low
Task lighting
Task lighting is a low-wattage, direct lighting option used specifically for tasks such as reading and writing, as opposed to overhead lighting used to light an entire room.
Energy efficient workstations
Each workstation is equipped with ENERGY STAR monitors, Smart Strips, and task lighting to reduce energy consumption.
ENERGY STAR appliances and induction cooking
All of the cooking appliances used at the Climate Innovation Center are ENERGY STAR certified. Among them is an induction cooktop which heats more efficiently, because it heats your cookware directly. Consumer Reports has found induction cooktops can boil water 20-40% faster than tested gas and traditional electric cooktops.
All-electric heat pump water heater
We installed an all-electric “hybrid” heat pump storage water heater that energy efficiently heats water without gas combustion. The water heater is capable to participate in future “load control” utility programs designed to reduce peak electricity demand.
EV charging
The Climate Innovation Center includes EV charging for 100% of the onsite parking spots. Utah Clean Energy staff can charge their EVs at one of three Level 2 (240v) EV chargers or use one of three Level 1 (110v) outlets for slow charges. The Level 1 outlets were partially included to allow slow charging from the onsite battery during a power outage. The Level 2 chargers that we selected can be programmed to limit overall electricity demand, helping to avoid expensive peak demand charges from the utility company.
Bike Racks
Bike parking is available in three places: a front rack, a back rack with power to charge e-bikes, and a spot to hang 3 bikes inside the rear vestibule. One of the Climate Innovation Center’s bathrooms includes a shower to allow employees to start the day feeling refreshed and professional.
Active transportation, transit, and carpooling
The location of the Climate Innovation Center is close to major bus lines and TRAX light rail, making it convenient for staff and visitors to use public transportation. Utah Clean Energy also provides incentives to staff to encourage the use of public transportation.
ADA accessibility
The Climate Innovation Center includes one van accessible parking space, access to the building without stairs, an elevator, and accessible design in the bathrooms and the kitchen/break room.
Wellness room
This room provides a quiet and dark rest space for staff, and also provides a dedicated room for nursing mothers, including a small refrigerator dedicated to storing breastmilk when needed.
Renovating VS New Building
The mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” applies to the construction process. By renovating an existing building, the Climate Innovation Center avoided sending all the carbon emissions embodied in the original building to the landfill and generating new carbon emissions across the lifecycle of materials used in new construction.
Roof insulation
High-performance roof insulation prevents heat gain and heat loss through the ceiling/roof. We installed 8 inches rigid foam insulation -- for an R-value of R36 – as part of the roof assembly
Insulating existing walls
Low GWP spray foam insulation is behind every inch of wall space at the Climate Innovation Center. This airtight insulation strategy provides resistance to heat flow and reduces heating and cooling needs while adding comfort to the building.
Building envelope air tightness
The Climate Innovation Center’s roof, walls, windows, doors, penetrations, and even the foundations connection were constructed with an attention to maximize airtightness. We performed a whole building air leakage test which showed a superior level of airtightness of 0.13 cfm/ft2. Air tightness coupled with an energy recovery ventilation system ensures an efficient and healthy building. Learn more
Triple pane accordion glass wall
The high-performance, triple pane “Nana wall” gives our office an energy-efficient and airtight folding glass wall, which provides natural light and, when the weather is right to have it open, also provides a connection between the indoors and the outdoors.
Efficient windows
Airtight and energy efficient windows are an essential component of the building envelope that reduces energy needed to heat and cool the building. Our double-pane windows have thermally broken frames, a U-factor range of U-0.34-0.38 and SHGC of 0.27, and were tested for water-tight construction as part of the building envelope commissioning scope.
Slidable shade structures
These slidable shade structures were designed to be moveable in order to block incoming solar energy and solar heat gain. They help to reduce energy needed to cool the Climate Innovation Center during the summertime.
Energy efficient ventilation with a DOAS & ERV
To bring fresh outdoor air into the building in the most energy efficient way, we incorporated a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) that integrates with our VRF system. The DOAS also includes an evaporative cooling stage to pre-cool incoming air to maximize cooling efficiency in warm summer months. To accomplish our goal of minimizing HVAC energy use, we included an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) into our DOAS. The ERV pre-conditions the fresh air as it comes into the building with the energy captured from the exhausted air as it leaves the building.
All Electric VRF System
As an all-electric building, a VRF heat-recovery HVAC system is the heart of our approach to providing heating and cooling without using gas combustion. A VRF mechanical system (also called variable refrigerant volume or VRV) is an HVAC heat pump technology that optimizes the use of refrigerant during a heating or cooling period. We selected a highly efficient system that can flexibly provide heating and cooling throughout the building when deemed necessary.
VRF fan coil units
The Climate Innovation Center has 13 VRF fan coil units throughout the building which efficiently share refrigerant between zones in the building to maximize the energy efficiency of the rooftop VRF heat recovery unit. This efficient heating and cooling technology helps to keep our heating and cooling demands at a minimum without the need for gas combustion.
Natural ventilation
Incorporating natural ventilation into our buildings heating/cooling system not only saves energy, but increases comfort and brings fresh air into the building. When the temperature is optimal in the spring or fall, this system allows us not to use the VRF system to heat or cool the building. A signal near each thermostat indicates when the conditions are right natural ventilation.
Ceiling fans
Using ceiling fans is an energy efficient way to support the comfort of staff at the Climate Innovation Center. We plan to use ceiling fans year-round but especially when temperatures are warm in summer months. When it’s warm outside, ceiling fans will provide air flow in the workstation areas, allowing a higher temperature set-point, which translates to reduced need for compressor-based cooling and reduced energy consumption.
Battery storage
A Lithium Iron Phosphate battery ensures that the Climate Innovation Center has clean electricity available both day and night, while also allowing our building to interact with the electric grid to help meet peak demand. The battery has a usable capacity of 90 kWh and a nominal power rating of 30 kW.
Solar panels (roof)
The Climate Innovation Center’s 70 bifacial solar panels have a total capacity of 38.7 kW with an estimated annual electricity generation of 54,122 kWh. Our roof hosts 54 solar panels (530 watts each).
Solar panels (canopy)
Due to the small footprint of our building and the need to use a portion of the roof for mechanical equipment, we added a solar canopy behind the building to hold an additional 16 panels, enabling us to reach our solar production requirements.
Water-wise and pollinator-friendly landscaping
We carefully selected plants that are suitable for our arid climate, which allows us to eliminate landscaping water consumption after the plants are established and also supports the local pollinator population, such as native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The majority of rainwater that hits the building is directed into the front planter box.
Low-flow fixtures
Throughout the Climate Innovation Center we selected water-efficient kitchen and bathroom faucets and low-flow toilets to dramatically lower our culinary water needs.
Reclaimed wood
During the demolition phase, we made a point to preserve as much of the existing wood as possible to then repurpose it for framing the building.
Mass timber
The resource extraction, manufacturing, and transportation of wood materials emits less carbon pollution than their steel and concrete counterparts. In addition to using wood framing throughout, we installed FSC-certified mass timber structural wood components including glulam beams, cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels for the roof deck, and wooden structural posts, which continue to store carbon during the building’s lifetime.
Carpets and materials
New carpet can be one of the single largest contributors of embodied carbon among commonly used interior finishes. The carpet tiles we selected from Interface are third-party registered as “carbon neutral” through ISO-recognized carbon offsets. One of the carpet tiles selected is 70% recycled and another is made from bio-based materials, and both are recyclable at the end of the product life.
Salvaged wood used for framing
During the demolition phase, we made a point to preserve as much of the existing wood as possible to then repurpose it for framing the building.
Recycled Countertops
All countertops at the Climate Innovation Center are made of recycled paper. That’s right, our countertops are made of a highly sustainable, recycled paper product that is durable and beautiful as well!
Acoustic baffles
We selected acoustic baffles that are made from 70% post-consumer recycled material to provide sound dampening in the workstations, break room/kitchen, and conference rooms.
Low/zero VOC paint
Recycled gypsum drywall
Energy efficient and smart lighting
We utilize LED lighting throughout the building, which uses at least 75% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. In addition, we use smart lighting controls to reduce lighting needs based on occupancy, daylighting levels, and “high end trim” features to keep overall lighting energy use low.
Learn more >
Task lighting
Task lighting is a low-wattage, direct lighting option used specifically for tasks such as reading and writing, as opposed to overhead lighting used to light an entire room.
Energy efficient workstations
Each workstation is equipped with ENERGY STAR monitors, smart strips, and task lighting to reduce energy consumption.
ENERGY STAR appliances and induction cooking
All of the cooking appliances used at the Climate Innovation Center are ENERGY STAR certified. Among them is an induction cooktop which heats more efficiently, because it heats your cookware directly. Consumer Reports has found induction cooktops can boil water 20-40% faster than tested gas and traditional electric cooktops.
Learn more >
All-electric heat pump water heater
We installed an all-electric “hybrid” heat pump storage water heater that energy efficiently heats water without gas combustion. The water heater is capable to participate in future “load control” utility programs designed to reduce peak electricity demand.
EV charging
The Climate Innovation Center includes EV charging for 100% of the onsite parking spots. Utah Clean Energy staff can charge their EVs at one of three Level 2 (240v) EV chargers or use one of three Level 1 (110v) outlets for slow charges. The Level 1 outlets were partially included to allow slow charging from the onsite battery during a power outage. The Level 2 chargers that we selected can be programmed to limit overall electricity demand, helping to avoid expensive peak demand charges from the utility company.
Bike Racks
Bike parking is available in three places: a front rack, a back rack with power to charge e-bikes, and a spot to hang 3 bikes inside the rear vestibule. One of the Climate Innovation Center’s bathrooms includes a shower to allow employees to start the day feeling refreshed and professional.
Active transportation, transit, and carpooling
The location of the Climate Innovation Center is close to major bus lines and TRAX light rail, making it convenient for staff and visitors to use public transportation. Utah Clean Energy also provides incentives to staff to encourage the use of public transportation.
ADA accessibility
The Climate Innovation Center includes one van accessible parking space, access to the building without stairs, an elevator, and accessible design in the bathrooms and the kitchen/break room.
Wellness room
This room provides a quiet and dark rest space for staff, and also provides a dedicated room for nursing mothers, including a small refrigerator dedicated to storing breastmilk when needed.
9 Steps to Building Zero Energy
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CLIMATE INNOVATION CENTER
123 MAIN ST
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
