Sorenson Multicultural Center
Solar on a Recreation Center in Salt Lake City Funds Energy Equity Initiatives
““Salt Lake City is not only investing in solar energy to power our municipal operations and reduce pollution, we have also formed a unique partnership that will help us invest money from that solar back into the community.””
Social RECs in Action
Salt Lake City is exchanging renewable energy certificates (known as RECs) produced on its solar array at the Sorenson Multicultural Center through a unique Social REC® model with Solar Stewards for financial contributions.
The 115-kilowatt rooftop solar system on the Sorenson Campus was installed in 2020, using Salt Lake City funds and a grant from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky Program.
In 2022, the City’s Sustainability Department began working with Solar Stewards. The collaboration was finalized this year in what the administration hopes will lay the foundation for an ongoing source of cash donations that can be used to benefit the City’s historically underserved neighborhoods, one of the Mayor’s 2024 goals.
Okta, the leading independent Identity partner, will be the Social REC® buyer within the Solar Stewards’ Marketplace, contributing over $10,000 per year for three years with an opportunity to invest more as additional solar projects are identified or the agreement extended.
The contributions will be used over the next three years to support a range of projects, from providing gap financing or grants to increase access to rooftop solar for under-served homes or businesses; supporting research into and mitigation for poor indoor air quality in Salt Lake City homes and schools; helping our city microgrant programs do more to further environmental justice; or other identified needs.
““We know that the impacts of climate change disproportionately affect underserved communities, including many communities of color, we are actively taking steps to reduce our environmental footprint and to respect the right to health and clean air. Salt Lake City understands the urgency of this work and we congratulate their staff for embracing innovative funding models.””
