Powering Michigan
Governor presents the 2016 Energy Excellence Awards
August 11, 2016
By Lindsay Baywol
Recently, Governor Rick Snyder attended the second annual Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards at the Wharton Center in East Lansing. Designed to honor organizations and individuals for their commitment to responsible energy production and consumption, the awards were put on and judged by members of the Michigan Energy Excellence Organization.
As demonstrated by the event, energy efficiency is incredibly important to the state of Michigan. By promoting energy efficiency, the state hopes not only to reduce energy waste, but to also “power” Michigan’s continued economic growth, and to create vibrant homes, businesses, and communities throughout the state.
By conserving energy and preserving our natural resources, we are able to secure a bright future for Michigan and protect our beautiful lakes, rivers, forests, and beaches for generations to come.
“Affordable, reliable, and adaptable energy that protects our environment should be our goal” Governor Rick Snyder said. “That’s how we will continue Michigan’s incredible comeback, and ensure that our children enjoy Pure Michigan.”
The innovative, talented, and forward-thinking individuals and organizations recognized by the event include the following:
Odawa Casino Resort, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians — Best Commercial Project (Private)
By replacing outdated lighting in the Odawa casino to LEDS, and by installing HVAC frequency drives, pressure differential transducers, and energy-efficient virtual servers, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians saved 1.3 million kWh of electricity and more than 26, 000 MMBTU of natural gas in 2015.
Western Michigan University — Best Commercial Project (Public)
Western Michigan University’s Heritage Hall, built in 1905, was the first facility on campus chosen for the university’s LEED Platinum Historical Renovation project. As a result, the university expects changes such as water-efficient plumbing, HVAC, lighting improvements, and new ground source heat pumps to prevent an equivalent of 124.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released.
Michael Eick — Best Residential Project
Michael made 21 improvements to reduce energy consumption in his household, such as new windows, an energy efficient furnace, installation, exc.
Cargill Inc. — Best Industrial/Manufacturing Project
By replacing its duel-fired coal-natural gas saturated heat steam boiler and its natural gas boiler to a single 284.4 MMBTU boiler, Cargill anticipates results in energy savings are nearly 1.2 million therms. (Enough to power 14, 000 homes each year).
Weiss Centennial Farms — Best Agriculture Project
Weiss installed an industrial gasification furnace and 5hp compressor, that should help realize 50% savings in natural gas and a 40% savings in electricity.
Oscar W. Larson — Contractor of the Year
The company helped 83 small business customers in Southeast Michigan submit applications to the DTE Energy Efficiency program for Business. The company helped DTE Energy customers save over 2 million kWh of electricity and reap more than $284,000 worth of incentives.
Habitat for Humanity of Kent County — Best Communication and Education Program
The organization is partnering with Grand Rapids Public Schools to teach high school students how to build LEED-certified homes and with Grand Rapids Community college to run LEED-certified home construction, green remodeling, and sustainable residential design programs. HHKC houses save about $133 per year on gas and $98 per year on electricity compared to previously built homes.
Dennis Schultz — Innovator of the Year
Schultz designed a pump that could extract energy from two gallons of water to offset homes’ fossil fuels consumption, to be used by rural homeowners who have household wells, but not access to natural gas lines.
Author Lindsay Baywol is a member of Governor Rick Snyder’s Executive Office internship program.
