Sustainability Initiatives
At RMI we want our programs to have a big impact on the world. And we want to do it with a minimal environmental footprint. That’s why we try to “walk the talk” every day. The following initiatives help us minimize our carbon impact.
Energy Use
Renewable Electricity: 100 percent of the electricity in RMI’s Colorado offices comes from renewable energy. The Boulder office is part of an office complex powered by 596 kW of solar photovoltaics. The Basalt office is powered by an 83 kW solar photovoltaic system.
Efficient Lighting: We use highly efficient LED lights throughout our buildings in Boulder and Basalt. We also make use of daylighting in both of our Colorado properties, including sun-tracking tubes throughout the Boulder building.
Boulder Commons: RMI's Boulder office is in Boulder Commons, a net-zero energy development, representing Colorado's first net-zero energy lease. The building is estimated to have an energy use intensity of 26 kBtu/sq ft. per year, significantly less than the average of 86 kBtu/sq ft. per year for buildings in Boulder, Colorado.
Innovation Center: The RMI Innovation Center, near Basalt’s historic downtown, is a physical manifestation of our work and values. Complementing and strengthening the local community, the center maximizes energy and resource efficiency and serves as a demonstration site for the industry. It is net-zero energy and net-zero water. But moving beyond efficiency and net zero, it is a restorative building that contributes positively in all aspects of energy, water, transportation, materials, and resource use.
Employee Commuting
Bus travel: RMI employees receive a free bus pass in both Boulder and Basalt in order to cut down on vehicle miles.
Bicycle Commuting: Showers are available at the offices to encourage the use of bicycle commuting. There are bicycle racks and a locked area for bicycles. For people who do drive to the office, the Boulder office has bicycles available for use during workdays, so employees do not have to drive to locations off-site. A bike share station (We-cycle) in front of the Basalt office provides workday errand transportation and commuting to and from the bus stop.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting is encouraged when possible to lower vehicle miles traveled.
Video Conferencing: We make extensive use of video conferencing. Having offices in five locations could mean a lot of travel, but through video conferencing we hold meetings, trainings, and events among offices, saving time and fuel and minimizing carbon emissions.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Both Colorado locations have electric vehicle charging stations, and many employees have electric or hybrid cars.
Free Lunch: Each office has a kitchen, and lunch is provided so that employees do not have to drive off-site during the lunch hour.
Businesswoman using laptop on airplane
Business Travel
Offsetting Carbon: We purchase carbon offsets to offset all of our international and domestic air travel.
Waste Reduction
Recycling: We recycle all glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard, and office paper that is used in all of our offices through local recycling services.
Composting: We compost our food scraps and compostable paper items in both Boulder and Basalt.
Purchased Goods and Services
Green Printing Services: All of our paper is FSC certified and/or recycled, and when possible our printed materials are printed with soy-based inks. We use digital media when possible to reduce our impact.
Local and Organic Food: RMI believes in supporting the local economy. We purchase a weekly share in a community supported agriculture (CSA) program that provides us with locally grown organic fruits and vegetables year-round.
Green Cleaning Products: We use nontoxic plant-derived cleaning products for our offices, along with 100 percent recycled and dye-free paper towels and toilet paper.
