CEC Launches XSeed Energy

Clean Energy Coalition is excited to announce the launch of XSeed Energy, Ann Arbor's community power project!  To learn more about this truly innovative project, CEC's newsletter editor, Robyn Skodzinsky, recently sat down with CEC Project Manager Lisa Dugdale to get the details:

RS: XSeed is a very new concept - like nothing we've seen in Michigan.  How do you describe it?

LD: Well, most people have heard of Community Supported Agriculture, or CSAs.  I like to think of XSeed Energy as a CSE - or Community Supported Energy - project.

RS: So instead of locally-produced food, we have...

LD: Locally-produced, renewable energy.  Right now only 3 percent of our energy comes from renewable sources – the rest comes from coal, nuclear, and natural gas. As we've learned from talking to community members, Ann Arbor area residents want a way to generate more renewable energy right here in our community, and kick-start job growth in this sector at the same time.

RS: How will XSeed Energy help people do that?

LD: Investments in XSeed Energy will go towards an initial solar array, slated for installation in June 2010. Income from the project and additional donations will be put into a 'Solar Bank' to seed future installations around town. XSeed Energy seeks local installers and manufacturers to catalyze demand for new jobs in the industry.

RS: So even if I can't put a solar array on my home, I can still support our community in moving away from dirty sources of energy.  I like that.  How can other community members donate?

LD: By visiting the XSeed Energy website, where they can also learn more about the project.  All contributors will receive a free XSeed Energy Supporter bumper sticker, while contributors of over $100 will be listed at the installation site. We’re happy to provide a solar panel donor certificate for those who would like to support XSeed Energy as a holiday gift for a friend or family member.

Questions?  Contact Lisa Dugdale by email or telephone (888.818.0987 x 706).  To learn more, or to make a donation, visit the XSeed Energy website.

Deals of the Year Award

Clean Energy Coalition was recently honored with Ann Arbor.com Business Review's Technology Deal of the Year award on Friday, November 6th.  CEC was recognized for securing a $15 million grant to help Michigan cities, companies and transportation organizations acquire clean energy vehicles and install alternative fueling infrastructure.  The project - totaling over $31 million - is slated to change the landscape of the Michigan transportation industry.

Pictured above, from l to r: Sean Reed, CEC Executive Director, Diane Keller, Ypsilanti Chamber of Commerce President, Trish Reilly, YCOC VP of Marketing & Business Development, Mark Ouimet, YCOC Chairman of the Board

Network at December's Clean Cities Coalition Meeting

Ann Arbor Area Clean Cities (AACC) will be holding a quarterly stakeholder meeting in the Community Room of the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker Road Brach (5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI), on Tuesday, December 8th, from 10:30 am to noon for informative presentations and networking on local clean transportation initiatives.  Guest speakers:

• Griffin Burgh, VP Operations of Fisher Coachworks, who will explore the fuel efficiency of their innovative transit vehicle designs.
  
• John Auld, Founder and CEO of Shocking Solutions, will explain how supporting the advancement of plug-in vehicles will transform our transportation system.
  
• Donna Davis, Technical Assistance Coordinator, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, will illustrate how fleets can benefit from the Michigan Clean Diesel Initiative.

To ensure an accurate head count and reserve your place at the table, email your RSVP to robyn@cec-mi.org as soon as possible. 

Clean Energy Coalition is Hiring!

Clean Energy Coalition is currently seeking two Building Technical Services (BTS) Project Managers to assist in the development and implementation of the organization’s energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that serve a statewide target market. Current project areas include renewable energy project development, fee for service residential and commercial energy efficiency audits, municipal government energy consulting, and community energy program development and management. 

Reduce Your Footprint @ CEC's Energy Outlet

This holiday season, give a gift that keeps on giving.  CEC's Energy Outlet has the items you've always wanted to give, including energy efficient showerheads, green books and how-to guides, EcoKits, LED and CFL lightbulbs, and solar-powered backpacks and ovens. 

Due to the busy holiday season, our Green Classroom will be on hiatus in December.  We will announce our January 2010 class schedule in the next newsletter.

For our hours and location, please visit our website.

Newsletter Sponsor

Meijer, based in Grand Rapids, operates 180 stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Despite an extensive fleet of vehicles, Meijer has utilized various tools and techniques - including web-based logging technologies - that reduced their miles driven last year by 2.5 million miles.  

In 2008, Meijer was awarded the Energy Independence Award at the Michigan Clean Transportation Expo & Awards Gala.  They have also been recognized with the EPA SmartWay Environmental Excellence Award and by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation for their efforts in petroleum reduction, conserving energy, and lowering their greenhouse gas emissions.

To learn more about Meijer, visit their website.

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Energy Tips

Did you know?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, considerable energy savings are possible with carefully selecting products and services for the home and office.  Following, you can find a round up of some of our favorite product and service tips from 2009:

*Lighting. On average, lighting accounts for 20% of a home's electric bill.  ENERGY STAR lighting products can significantly reduce a building's energy usage without compromising ambiance and safety. 

*Detect Air Leaks. A home or office has many hidden air leaks.  For a thorough and accurate measurement of the air leakage in your building, utilize a qualified professional for an energy audit, which includes a blower door test.

*Air Sealing. Weatherstripping and eco-friendly caulk increase the energy efficiency, durability, and comfort of your building.

*Maintain your light fixtures, lamps, and lenses every six months, but never clean an incandescent bulb while on. 

*Purchase an efficient showerhead. If your showerhead predates 1992, you could be using up to 5.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm)! By replacing your showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm, you will save at least three gallons of water for every minute you use your shower.

*Use fans - in the winter!  Ceiling fans - turned clockwise - push warm air down from the top of the room.

*Windows, Skylights, & Solar Tubes. Energy bills can be reduced up to 24% with ENERGY STAR windows, skylights, and solar tubes.  These products can also increase a building's comfort natural daylighting.

To learn more, visit the U.S. DOE's website. 

Need advice?  Call CEC Project Manager Deb Heed (734.483.9000) or visit her at the Energy Outlet (44 East Cross Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198).

 
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