There is no doubt that there is significant momentum building to develop new sources of clean energy, both to secure our nation’s energy future through reduced use of imported fossil fuels such as oil and to reduce the amount of CO2 released into our atmosphere to minimize global climate change. While these are extremely important and compelling reasons in and of themselves to look to creative ideas such as creating and demonstrating a local Net Zero Energy District, there are several additional reasons that apply specifically to Fort Collins:

CLEAN ENERGY WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: There will be significant economic benefit to creating the largest Net Zero Energy District in the world. FortZED would be an example that will gain regional, national and international recognition, creating a reputation for sustainability and cutting edge energy practice known worldwide and attracting visitors who want to explore our community’s extraordinary demonstration district. Leading scholars and teachers will want to relocate to our community and businesses will be attracted to open operations in our region. It would become a testing ground for new technologies and a fertile garden for the development of new businesses in the clean energy sector. Compatible and collaborative enterprises will see the benefit of close proximity to one another and to being in a community that is committed and supportive. High paying primary jobs will be created, including biochemists, biophysicists, electrical engineers, environmental engineers and others to develop technologies that will be sold worldwide.

FORT COLLINS IS ALREADY POSITIONED TO LEAD: The UniverCity District is the ideal location for a project of this scope and scale because we have come so far already. Fort Collins has the Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster (a business-led, project-oriented group of regional partners including CSU, the City of Fort Collins, the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce and the Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation), an abundance of wind, solar and geothermal resources, existing wind farms in close proximity to our community, CSU’s planned proprietary wind farm at Maxwell Ranch, CSU’s extensive research and development in this area, and many local businesses already operating in the clean energy field in Fort Collins. In addition, the residents of the UniverCity District already voluntarily purchase wind energy at twice the rate of the rest of the community. This district is perfectly positioned to be both an incubator and a testing ground for new technologies and become the “go-to” region for clean energy.

THE ENVIRONMENT IS VITAL TO OUR QUALITY OF LIFE: Fort Collins is such an amazing place because of our quality of life – and we intend to keep it that way. Imagine buildings that will produce more energy than they use. The built environment will have a distinct feel that says something different is going on here. New buildings will be built with innovative, pioneering energy-harvesting technology including solar PV, geo-thermal and micro-wind turbines. Existing buildings will be retrofitted to increase their energy efficiency. Visually intriguing displays that celebrate and educate will be abundant throughout the district. The practice of energy conservation will be as natural as breathing to residents of FortZED, and their involvement in and understanding of the complexities of renewable energy will be a part of their daily living. Pride of place will be palpable. By remaining on the leading edge in sustainable energy and design, we can keep Fort Collins vital economically, environmentally and in the way people live in the emerging new energy economy.