About Zen Center of Denver

Founded in 1974, The Zen Center of Denver (ZCD) is a lay Buddhist community offering authentic Zen practice and training to all who wish to uncover their innate wisdom and compassion and live with greater awareness in everyday life. 

ZCD offers a full range of opportunities for Zen training, and its members are engaged in many ways with the local community including teaching meditation and dharma to prisoners, providing dharma-based support for those in recovery, and volunteering both with local food banks and shelters. In addition, ZCD teachers offer a wide variety of classes to the public in Buddhist basics and in mindfulness training.

About the Ribbon Cutting Celebration

On June 15th, ZCD and RE-volv, celebrated the commissioning of their new 9.7 kWdc solar installation. The center, which 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.

Right Action Towards Sustainability 

“I am thrilled to have helped the Zen Center go solar,” said Zen Center of Denver board member, Joyce McLaren. The cost savings will be invested into our mission, like providing mindfulness classes to the community, and there are environmental and health benefits from reducing emissions from electricity use. The solar project is a beautiful example of the Zen practice of taking Right Action to reduce suffering in the world.” 

Under the agreement with RE-volv, ZCD will save 15% on their electricity bill every month, compared to buying power from the utility.

Driving Clean Energy Adoption in Colorado 

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. 

"RE-volv is thrilled to collaborate with the Zen Center of Denver, empowering them to lead the charge for solar energy in their community. Through this partnership, we aim to amplify the Zen Center's commitment to sustainability, intertwining their teachings of mindfulness with tangible action toward a brighter, more equitable future," remarked Andreas Karelas, Executive Director and Founder of RE-volv.