Rocky Mountain Institute, non-profit organisation in the USA
The Rocky Mountain Institute is a research organization and nonprofit in Basalt, Colorado, focused on practical energy efficiency solutions. The Innovation Center building uses 74 percent less energy than typical offices in its climate region and generates enough solar power to run itself and charge six electric vehicles.
Founded in 1982, the organization emerged to promote smarter energy use and move away from large, wasteful power plants. Over decades, it expanded from local Colorado projects to international work, now partnering with businesses and governments across more than 60 countries.
The Rocky Mountain Institute shapes Basalt's identity as a center for energy innovation and practical problem-solving. Visitors experience a workplace culture focused on collaboration between business, government, and community members working toward shared environmental goals.
Tours of the Innovation Center can be scheduled to see how the building saves energy while producing power, and the campus sits on Two Rivers Road in Basalt making it accessible. Contacting the organization by email is the best way to arrange a visit.
The Innovation Center was designed to last 100 years, far longer than typical buildings, and was one of only about 200 buildings in the USA that generated more power than it consumed as of 2016. The institute also developed a Hypercar prototype aimed at vehicles using far less fuel and producing fewer emissions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
