Join GBC @ The Net Zero Store
Event description
Have you wondered what it looks like to make a commercial property net zero energy?
Join us in a tour a net zero office building and see what it looks like to disconnect the gas meter and power a building entirely by solar energy.
We'll provide light food and beverages to enjoy in the company of GBC members and others interested in environmental sustainability.
About the Event Host:
Jim Smith purchased this building in 2007 to house his real estate brokerage, Golden Real Estate. One of the slogans on every GRE sign is “Promoting & Modeling Environmental Responsibility,” so Jim got right to work installing solar panels, improving the building’s insulation and energy efficiency in numerous ways. By 2017, 20 kilowatts of solar panels were powering the building and charging the five Teslas owned by Smith and his agents, at which point he replaced the gas forced air furnace with a heat-pump mini-split system, and the gas meter was removed. Since the solar power was enough to power the new HVAC system too, the building then became “net zero energy.”
Golden Real Estate moved to a storefront in downtown Golden in November 2021, and Jim had planned to create a new business called The Net Zero Store to sell products and services related to “going green.” However, that plan was scrapped, the building is vacant, and Smith is looking for a new owner who values the building’s net zero energy qualities.
About Good Business Colorado: (goodbusinesscolorado.org)
Good Business Colorado is a grassroots organization of employers and entrepreneurs working to build a prosperous economy, equitable communities, and a sustainable environment. Our members believe that business success cannot be measured by profit alone and that true success means that our planet, communities, and bottom lines are all thriving. Good Business Colorado Advances Our Shared Values By:
- Providing a range of educational programming to support values-driven businesses on their journey to being even better
- Helping formulate policies that build a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Colorado.
- Advocating for state and federal policies that reflect our shared-values
- Supporting members in engaging in fulfilling and effective advocacy activities that address the issues that impact their businesses and communities.
- Sparking more involvement from like-minded, values-driven businesses