Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center

The Rocky Mountain Institute Innovation Center is located in Basalt, Colorado. The institute was built as a net-zero building, producing as much energy as it uses over a yearlong period. It is a two-story, 15,600 square foot structure. Located in a northern climate, the walls have R-50 insulation and the roof R-67. The roof supports a photovoltaic system. The building was designed to heat people, not space, and the following factors of human comfort were undertaken: “air temperature, wind speed, humidity, clothing level, activity level, and the temperature of surrounding surfaces” (85). A graywater system was also installed, though not in use due to current regulations in Colorado. Graywater systems use water from washing hands or dishes for other non-consumption purposes such as watering plants. When working, such a system can drastically reduce water usage. New zero buildings such as this institute show the possibilities...