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Our Solutions
Learn how we are working to transform how we use and produce energy.
Our Approach
Our Solutions
Learn how we are working to transform how we use and produce energy.
Our Insights
Learn how we are working to transform how we use and produce energy.
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Be part of the energy solution.
The RMI Innovation Center
RMI's state-of-the-art beyond net-zero energy office and convening center in Basalt, Colorado
Tour the Innovation Center
What makes the Innovation Center so innovative? Hear from our design team during a brief video tour:
Check out how the building performs through this dashboard.
The Innovation Center
The Innovation Center is the highest-performing building in the coldest climate zone in the United States, producing more clean energy than it uses on an annual basis plus enough to power six electric vehicles. It is one of only 200 net-zero commercial buildings in the United States as of 2016, and provides a leading example of buildings that can solve the climate crisis.
16
The building's energy use intensity (kBtu/sf/year)
74%
more efficient than the average office in the same climate
100 year
design life, opposed to the average 30 years
About the Innovation Center
The Innovation Center, located in Basalt, Colorado, is a 15,610 square-foot office building and state-of-the-art convening center. To advance our mission and propel the industry, RMI designed the Innovation Center to demonstrate how net-zero carbon buildings should be designed, contracted, constructed, and occupied.
Why it Matters
The Innovation Center building is similar in size to 90% of U.S. commercial offices. Over half of all commercial buildings are owner occupied and office space is the largest use type. The Innovation Center is intended to serve as a groundbreaking model to push the boundaries of what’s possible with integrative, passive design and the business case for net-zero energy. It includes an advanced level of automation, metering, and controls that demonstrate where market gaps exist, and how the industry can move forward.
Who’s Involved
The Innovation Center’s level of design and performance was achieved thanks to a dedicated and multi-faceted team comprised of architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and philanthropic partners.
Take a Tour
Interested in touring the Innovation Center located at 22830 Two Rivers Road in Basalt, Colorado? Tours are scheduled upon request. Please contact outreach@rmi.org to schedule.
Certifications
Awards
Resources
RESOURCE
ARTICLE
Buildings
Excessive AC is a Hot Topic in the U.S.
August 19, 2015
RESOURCE
How to Buy a Net-Zero Office Building
May 18, 2026
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