FAQs

Green Buildings and Sustainable Design

Can RMI help me design a new home?

Rocky Mountain Institute does not typically consult on the design or construction of residences. Most of the projects the Built Environment Team works on are larger buildings such as libraries, museums, laboratories, offices, and schools, as well as entire communities. Learn more about RMI's BET Projects.

Energy-efficient and sustainable homes remain very important to the success of our communities and RMI supports a number of green builders, architects, and contractors. Please see the list below for websites where you can find information on green builders in your area and green building products such as super-windows, insulation, and efficient lighting:

How can I obtain the consulting services of RMI’s Built Environment Team for a building project?

To learn more about BET’s consulting services please visit the BET consulting services page. The most efficient way to contact our Built Environment Team regarding a potential project is by completing a Service Inquiry Form. By filling out this initial contact sheet, with as much detail as possible, our sustainable design specialists will be able to carry out the primary analysis and contact you with next steps.

How can I make my home more efficient?

There are a number of ways to make your home more efficient in terms of energy consumption, water usage, and waste production. RMI has been asked this question so often in our 25 years that a few years ago we published a set of nine Home Energy Briefs, all of which describe different ways the average homeowner can save energy and resources around the house. Please see the list below for these and other useful links to help you make your home as sustainable as possible.

RMI’s Home Energy Briefs
More RMI Pages:

Other Links:

Can RMI help me install a renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) system for my home?

Rocky Mountain Institute does not install renewable energy systems or consult on smaller building projects. However, with many incentives enabling a homeowner to sell back excess power to the grid, qualify for a rebate, or receive a tax credit now available, small-scale renewable power is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. If you are interested in installing a renewable power system there are a wealth of resources worth exploring. A good place to start is the Database for State Incentives on Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), which outlines all of the different programs and policies for each state as well as federal incentives. Please also see the links to the other renewable energy directories listed below.

Database for State Incentives on Renewables and Efficiency
Find Solar
American Solar Energy Society - Renewable Resources Directory
Renewable Energy Access
American Wind Energy Association - Directory Search
U.S. DOE - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

General RMI Questions

Where can I learn about RMI’s super-efficient headquarters?

Please visit our online virtual tour of the RMI Headquarters in Snowmass, Colorado:
RMI Headquarters Photo Tour.

Will Amory Lovins speak at our event?

Getting Amory or another RMI staff member for an engagement requires just two things: booking well in advance of your event and paying the speaker’s fee. Unfortunately Amory is very limited in the number of pro-bono outreach engagements he can commit to - his time is simply too scarce and the number of requests too high. If you wish to check the availability of Amory or another RMI staff member, please click on the following link to submit a formal request for an RMI speaker.

Our other RMI staff members have a wide range of expertise. If you would like to see whether another RMI staff member would be appropriate for your event, you can browse our Staff List. Amory and our RMI staff members are also available for scheduled videoconferences to address smaller audiences at substantially reduced fees.

How can I work for RMI?

RMI works with leading companies to rethink their products, processes, organization structures, and strategies. Many of our staff members are well-accomplished scientists with expertise in engineering, physics, architecture, and more. If you would like to see what positions RMI is currently trying to fill and the qualifications necessary to apply, please see our Jobs at RMI website. RMI also maintains a robust internship program for recent graduates and those with less experience than our full-time staff. Please see our currently available Internships if you would like to learn more.

Note: This page contains links to Internet resource sites collected by RMI staff to facilitate research and relationships for those interested in energy efficiency, sustainable design and advanced transportation. This resource is not exhaustive and will remain a work in progress. Please note that Rocky Mountain Institute cannot be held liable for the contents of the referenced websites nor the inclusion and/or omission of links on this page.