In a move to address environmental disparities, Salt Lake City is embarking on an initiative aimed at supporting its historically marginalized neighborhoods. Partnering with Solar Stewards, the city plans to leverage its renewable energy projects to funnel financial contributions into local sustainability efforts. Mayor Erin Mendenhall has underscored the partnership's dual focus on renewable energy investment and community reinvestment, according to SLC.
The exchange of renewable energy certificates, or RECs, which Salt Lake City produces, will be facilitated through a pioneering Social REC® model. These certificates, originating from the city's Sorenson Multicultural Center solar array, will be sold in a marketplace aiming to yield funds for further community projects. Tech company Okta has stepped up as the first purchaser of these Social REC®, in an agreement that is expected to inject over $10,000 annually for three years into these initiatives. However, there's an opportunity for further investment, as Salt Lake City plans to expand its solar projects, thus potentially extending the benefits.
This collaboration isn't just about generating a profit from renewable sources. It's about directing that profit towards rectifying long-standing inequities. "Salt Lake City is not only investing in solar energy to power our municipal operations and reduce pollution," Mayor Mendenhall said, as per SLC, "we have also formed a unique partnership that will help us invest money from that solar back into the community," as per the official announcement from the city. The solar system in question, a 115-kilowatt setup on the Sorenson Campus, was installed in 2020 through city funds and a grant from the Blue Sky Program by Rocky Mountain Power.
The fruits of this partnership are earmarked for a variety of community-oriented projects. These range from filling in financial gaps to assist businesses and homes in gaining access to rooftop solar, to addressing indoor air quality issues plaguing homes and schools in Salt Lake City. Moreover, city microgrant programs will benefit, expanding their capacity to advance environmental justice. “We know Salt Lake City's Westside neighborhoods have experienced historical inequities that have led to environmental injustices such as higher instances of air pollution. The funds will help us continue to address those needs," Sustainability Department Director Debbie Lyons said, as detailed by SLC.
Emphasizing the gravity of climate change and its disproportionate effect on underprivileged communities, Alison Colwell from Okta said, according to SLC, "We are actively taking steps to reduce our environmental footprint and to respect the right to health and clean air." Okta's involvement demonstrates the private sector's willingness to tackle environmental challenges head-on. Salt Lake City is also eyeing additional federal grants geared towards expanding distributed solar energy installations, which would enhance the city’s capacity to redirect more Social REC® investments back to local neighborhoods.
