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Utah Clean Energy, a local nonprofit created to promote clean energy, renewable energy and energy efficiency policies, recently (re)constructed its new headquarters. Located at 215 S 400 E, the new Climate Innovation Center is intended to be a model for other builders looking to incorporate clean energy technology into their projects.
Photos by Devin Zander
Designed by Blalock & Partners and constructed by Okland Construction, this building originally began as a single-story concrete block commercial structure built in 1955. It has been converted to a two-story office building. To reduce embodied carbon, builders kept the existing concrete block walls and steel roof beams. Cross-laminated wood and laminated beams are used for the roof to support the second floor and the roof. Reclaimed wood and recycled materials are used throughout the building.
In addition to the sustainable building materials used, the building aims to be net zero, with on-site energy generation and storage, and all-electric appliances for heating, cooling and cooking. In addition to rooftop solar and battery storage, the building also features electric bike charging, as well as six parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle chargers. The building is seeking a Zero Energy certification from the International Living Future Institute. It is a performance-based certification that can be awarded after one year of tracking efficiency metrics.
Original structure. Courtesy of Apple Maps.
First floor under construction. Courtesy of Utah Clean Energy.
Second floor under construction. Courtesy of Utah Clean Energy.
Photos by Devin Zander
While it makes sense for Utah Clean Energy to invest in its new headquarters as a demonstration project, adaptive reuse of existing structures often loses out to demolition and new construction.
On the political front, at its May 30 work session, the Salt Lake City Council was informed of an amendment to zoning text that would incentivize adaptive reuse of buildings such as churches, schools or other structures deemed culturally significant. An adaptive reuse amendment was previously approved, but it was limited to buildings 7,000 square feet or larger. The new amendment eliminates the minimum square footage requirement and allows additional uses, including residential.
Another amendment to the text, called ‘Preservation of a Principal Building,’ seeks to incentivize the preservation of any structure that is at least fifty years old, with incentives such as reduced parking, minimum lot sizes, setbacks, and additional height (with design review ). in some areas. A vote on the proposed amendments will be held at a future date.
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