The Zen Center of Denver embraces clean energy in Colorado, with hopes of inspiring other nonprofits and residents in the Denver metro area to follow suit.
Denver, Colorado – Saturday, June 15 — Today, the Zen Center of Denver (ZCD), in partnership with RE-volv, celebrated the commissioning of their new 9.7 kWdc solar installation. The center, which formed in 1974 and moved into a new temple in 2019, will now save nearly $80,000 in electricity costs over the next 20 years and avoid the emissions from buying coal and natural gas-fired power from the utility grid. The celebration included an open house, food trucks, brief remarks, and solar education and information for attendees considering going solar at home.
While Colorado's sunny skies and favorable solar policies make it among the best states for solar energy, the state still generates the majority of electricity using fossil fuels. Studies show that nonresidential businesses and nonprofits going solar are important drivers to inspire residents in the state to go solar. Further, it is now possible for tax-exempt organizations to receive 30% or more cash back on the cost of a solar system, thanks to changes made by the Inflation Reduction Act.
"My meditation practice and the community at the Zen Center has given me tools to navigate some very big life challenges more gracefully," said board member Joyce McLaren. "The cost savings will be invested into our mission, like providing mindfulness classes to the community."
Under the agreement with RE-volv, a nonprofit solar finance organization, ZCD will save 15% on their electricity bill every month, compared to buying power from the utility. Bluecore Solar installed ZCD's solar system and is available to do installations for other interested residents and nonprofits in Colorado.
Andreas Karelas, Executive Director and Founder of RE-volv, remarked on the collaboration and RE-volv's commitment to sustainability and equitable clean energy futures.
About the Zen Center of Denver
The Zen Center of Denver, founded in 1974, offers Zen practice training including meditation, private instruction, work practice, all-day sittings, and week-long retreats. Members engage in community service through prisoner meditation programs, recovery support, and food bank volunteering.
About RE-volv
RE-volv is a climate justice nonprofit that has financed solar projects for over 70 nonprofits in 18 states, collectively saving them $20+ million on electricity bills and avoiding 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.