Rocky Mountain Institute, ZGF Architects and JE Dunn Construction Break Ground on New RMI Innovation Center

Basalt, Colorado (PRWEB) October 15, 2014

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), with its architects, ZGF Architects LLP, and its general contractor, JE Dunn Construction, breaks ground today for RMIs new flagship building its Innovation Center in the Roaring Fork Valley. Encompassing RMIs 32 years of innovation, the new 15,610 square-foot facility will exhibit the principles of integrative design and energy and resource efficiency as the organization seeks to continue its outstanding strategic collaboration in global energy.

"RMI has huge ambitionsnothing short of changing the way the world produces and consumes energy," said RMI Managing Director and General Counsel Marty Pickett. "RMI's Innovation Center in Basalt, Colorado, not far from where RMI was founded 32 years ago, will provide offices for 50 staff and offer a convening venue for collaboration with the community, industry stakeholders and global leaders."

RMIs Innovation Center will embrace the following unique features:

As part of RMIs ongoing commitment to increase impact and share best practices for energy efficiency, RMI will publish updates about the successes and challenges of the project for others to learn from throughout the projects design and completion. Approximately 90 percent of buildings in this country are similar in size to RMIs new building (under 25,000 SF) and commercial is the largest use type. The results of RMIs design, contracting, construction and operations process and the buildings aggressive performance are applicable to owners, occupants and investors across the U.S.

From reinventing the design process to creating a new definition of occupant comfort, the building team has continually explored the edge of what is possible. If every commercial building in the U.S. increased its energy efficiency to this level, enough energy could be saved in one month to power New York City for an entire year, said Kathy Berg, partner at ZGF Architects LLP.

The partnership among JE Dunn, RMI, and ZGF Architects is a perfect blend of expertise in energy, construction, technology and design,"said Mike Tilbury, project executive for JE Dunn Construction."JE Dunn has built numerous projects throughout the U.S. that have the highest energy efficient standards. This project takes that excellence to the next level and will showcase JE Dunn's use of the latest technologies in energy efficient construction.

Construction of RMIs Innovation Center is estimated to take between 12-14 months and will cost $7.5 million for the buildings core and shell plus tenant finishes. This is comparable to other recently built, small, class A office spaces in the Colorado mountain region. Having raised significant funds for the building in a quiet phase, RMI will launch a public capital campaign to complete funding.

RMI has a rich history of collaboration and innovation in the Roaring Fork Valley, said Basalt Mayor Jacque Whitsitt. The Town of Basalt has been an enthusiastic partner in this development project since day one. RMIs innovation center will anchor the long-term plan to enhancethe town economically and culturally.

For more information on the Innovation Center, please visit http://www.rmi.org/rmi_innovation_center.

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Rocky Mountain Institute, ZGF Architects and JE Dunn Construction Break Ground on New RMI Innovation Center