Tree Planting on June 4

Post Date:05/26/2017 2:46 PM

On Sunday, June 4th, Park City Municipal and Summit Lands Conservancy are partnering up to plant trees, and we need your help!

**Click HERE to sign up**

  • Who: You! Volunteers are discouraged from bringing dogs and small children as the work will be moderately strenuous and there will be a lot of activity going on.
  • Why: to help tackle climate change
  • When: Sunday, June 4th at 9:00 am
  • Where: meet at the Quinns Trailhead by the Park City Ice Arena. We’ll plant the trees in Round Valley.
  • What (to bring): gloves, a shovel, water and snacks.

Park City has the most ambitious climate goals in North America: net-zero carbon and running on 100% renewable electricity by 2032 for the whole community (and by 2022 for municipal operations). Being a leader means we need to get creative.

Not only are we looking at ways to reduce our carbon emissions, but also exploring how we can increase the amount of carbon that our lands soak up; our carbon sinks. Plants and trees are one of nature’s best carbon sinks, as they capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and lock it away from the atmosphere for some time.

With advisory from USU extension, we have identified the best tree and shrub species native to Park City that will soak up the most carbon. Now we want to get them in the ground to test which native species grow the best, with the least amount of maintenance and water. The plantings will not be a part of a landscaped area, rather in natural areas. This pilot project, and the outcomes that come from it, will help shape future tree planting sites and carbon sink strategies. Need more info? Contact celia.peterson@parkcity.org

 

Return to full list >>

Departments » Sustainability » Renewables

SolSmart Gold

Print
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Font Size: + -

Park City, Utah Designated “SolSmart Gold” for Advancing Solar Energy Growth

Post Date:11/26/2018 4:32 PM

    FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
    Celia Peterson
    celia.peterson@parkcity.org
    435.287.5624


    Park City, Utah Designated “SolSmart Gold” for Advancing Solar Energy Growth

     

    PARK CITY, UTAH (November 26, 2018) – Park City, Utah received a Gold designation from the national SolSmart program for making it faster, easier, and more affordable for homes and businesses to go solar.

    This designation recognizes Park City for taking bold steps to encourage solar energy growth and remove obstacles for solar development. For companies looking to expand, a SolSmart Gold designation is a signal that Park City is “open for solar business.”

    SolSmart, led by The Solar Foundation and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office. More than 200 cities, counties, and small towns have achieved SolSmart designation since the program launched in 2016. Park City is one of 91 SolSmart Gold designees. This is especially notable as Utah is a non-home rule state, which means that Park City is not allowed to set its own energy code. Only six communities in non-home rule states have achieved SolSmart Gold.

    “We have a clear path to 100% renewables by adopting a mix of energy efficiency measures, working with our utility to build new renewables, and producing solar energy from our rooftops. We want to make it practical and economic for all Parkites to harvest their energy directly from the sun. To achieve SolSmart Gold, we have modified our code to encourage our residents to adopt rooftop solar.  We know that local renewables are of local economic benefit and provide clean, cheap energy for our community. This is our future and we are proud to receive this designation,” commented Mayor Andy Beerman.

    As a SolSmart designee, Park City can help solar companies reduce the cost of installations and pass savings on to consumers. This allows even more local homes and businesses to obtain affordable, clean, and reliable electricity through solar. The actions Park City has taken will help encourage solar companies to do business in the area, driving economic development and creating local jobs.

    To receive designation, cities and counties make changes to their local processes to reduce the time and money it takes to install a solar energy system. This includes evaluating local permitting processes, as well as planning and zoning procedures. SolSmart designees also develop innovations in areas such as market development and finance.

    For example, Park City waives permitting fees and has a streamlined process to ensure that solar systems can be permitting within two business days.

    SolSmart uses objective criteria to award communities points based on the actions they take to reduce barriers to solar energy development. Communities that take sufficient action are designated either gold, silver, or bronze.

    As part of the SolSmart program, a team of national experts provides no-cost technical assistance to help communities achieve designation. All cities and counties are eligible to join the SolSmart program and receive this technical assistance. Interested communities can learn more at SolSmart.org.