What’s New
Clean Energy Coalition to Host Green My House Workshop at Saline District Library April 18
Clean Energy Coalition and the City of Saline’s Environmental Commission are pleased to sponsor Green My House: Energy Savers Edition on Wednesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. The one-hour workshop will take place at Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road.
Participants will learn about energy conservation strategies for their homes, including a variety of renewable energy options available for homeowners. Utility incentives, tax credits and financing mechanisms will be reviewed along with product demonstrations from Clean Energy Coalition’s Clean Energy Outlet.
Attendees will have an understanding of the strategies available for energy reduction, the financial argument for engaging in such strategies and the financial tools to complete projects. Complimentary copies of Energy Savings for the Novice: Simple Ways to Build Family Wealth and Security by Dennis Fijalkowski and Mary Steele will be distributed.
Pre-registration is required. To register, please call (734) 429-2313 or email leslee@salinelibrary.org. Light refreshments will be served.
Clean Energy Coalition Hosts Green My House: Energy Savers Edition at Ann Arbor District Library March 28
Join Clean Energy Coalition’s team of experts for Green My House: Energy Savers Edition, a workshop dedicated to helping homeowners learn about steps they can take to reduce energy use within their homes.
The best way to extend the world’s energy supply — while reducing pollution, slowing climate change and lowering utility bills — is to make existing buildings more energy friendly. Today, there are more options than ever to help residents save money on energy bills, reduce dependency on fossil fuels and cut pollution. The energy efficiency experts at Clean Energy Coalition invite you to learn all about home energy upgrades.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 | 7:00pm – 8:30 pm
WHERE: Ann Arbor District Library, Multipurpose Room (map)
343 South Fifth Avenue / Ann Arbor, MI 48104
AGENDA
- Welcome + Introduction
- Setting the Stage, Energy Upgrade Options for Your Home
Nick Helmholdt, Clean Energy Coalition - The Installer’s Perspective on Home Energy Performance
Shawn Stevens, Chelsea Lumber - Making my Home Energy Efficient
Bob Hart, Ann Arbor Homeowner - Questions to the Panel
- Wrap Up
Clean Energy Coalition Staff to Present at Henry Ford Community College’s Alternative Energy Summit
Alternative energy is a vital component in renewing Michigan through economic diversity and growth — and that’s the focus of Henry Ford Community College’s 5th annual Alternative Energy Summit, taking place Friday, March 30.
The event will include presentations from Clean Energy Coalition, the United States Green Building Council, the City of Dearborn, Wayne State University, and more, focusing on the role of alternative energy in the growth of business and industry, and the growth of communities toward renewing the economy of Michigan.
Presenters will discuss how LEED for neighborhood development and intermodal transit are cornerstones of community growth. Sessions on energy reduction and waste to energy will highlight how businesses and government can grow the bottom line with better sustainability programs.
During the summit, a business expo will feature cutting-edge companies demonstrating alternative energy technologies for business and the home.
Breakout session presentations from Clean Energy Coalition staff include:
- EcoCAR 2: Plugging Into the Future
Presentation by Jeff Rednour, Jessie Letarte, and Idan Regev, Wayne State University; and Mary Sell, Clean Energy Coalition - Innovative Residential and Commercial Energy Reduction Programs
Presentation by Joshua Brugeman and Nick Helmholdt, Clean Energy Coalition - Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Why Is It Important to Perform an Inventory?
Presentation by Jenny Oorbeck and Rebecca Filbey, Clean Energy Coalition - Michigan Cities Prepare for Electric Vehicles
Presentation by Heather Seyfarth and Mark Rabinsky, Clean Energy Coalition
The event is free and open to the public. For full details, see the event program.
Clean Energy Coalition is a proud sponsor of the Alternative Energy Summit.
WHEN: March 30, 2012 — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Henry Ford Community College Administrative Services & Conference Center
5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128 (view Google map)
March 22 Workshop Focuses on Compressed Natural Gas for West Michigan
Compressed Natural Gas: Clean and Cost-Effective Transportation for West Michigan
Interest in natural gas as a transportation fuel is growing rapidly. Today, compressed natural gas (CNG) powers more than 112,000 vehicles in the United States and roughly 11.2 million vehicles worldwide. The advantages of natural gas as an alternative fuel include its domestic availability, widespread distribution infrastructure, low cost compared to petroleum-based fuel, and clean-burning qualities. CNG can cut fuel costs by about 50% while delivering the same power and performance. In addition, with rising fuel emissions standards, more government and corporate fleets are seeing the value that natural gas can add to their budgets.
This workshop will address many aspects of compressed natural gas, including: the business case for fleet conversion, building the infrastructure, and details on engine conversion and maintenance. After the discussion, we’ll take a tour of a new CNG fueling station, located in Wyoming, Michigan.
A light breakfast will be provided. Register now for this free workshop!
WHEN: Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Sneden Hall, Grand Rapids Community College (map)
415 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
AGENDA
9 a.m.
The Business Case for CNG (presentation by Waste Management)
Natural Gas Delivery and Infrastructure (presentation by MichCon/DTE)
CNG Fuel System and Engine Technology (presentation by Valley Truck Parts and Cummins Bridgeway)
11:15 a.m.
Lunch provided by MichCon
12 p.m.
CNG Fueling Station Tour (located at 500 44th St. SW, Wyoming, MI 49548)
If you have any questions about this workshop, please contact Aaron Champion, West Michigan Clean Cities Coordinator.
Clean Energy Coalition Executive Director Interviewed on WJR
Sean Reed, founder and executive director of Clean Energy Coalition, recently appeared on WJR’s Greening of the Great Lakes.
The interview touched on the origins of Clean Energy Coalition and the work the organization does to advance clean energy, including residential and commercial energy assessments and fleet efficiency assessments. Sean also offered tips for homeowners looking to reduce their energy use and his thoughts on the Chevy Volt.
Listen to the interview at mlive.com.
Clean Energy Coalition Named 2012 Michigan Green Leader by Detroit Free Press
Clean Energy Coalition has announced that it is being honored with a 2012 Michigan Green Leader Award from the Detroit Free Press.
Detroit Free Press Michigan Green Leader Awards honor individuals, businesses, and organizations “moving the state forward in innovation, job creation, sustainable development, community advocacy, conservation and more.” Clean Energy Coalition is being recognized for its “range of efforts promoting clean technology.”
“We’re deeply honored that Clean Energy Coalition has been selected as one of this year’s winners. This award is a terrific recognition of the work our staff is doing every day to promote clean energy, accelerate change, and build healthier communities,” said Sean Reed, founder and executive director of Clean Energy Coalition.
Founded in 2005, Clean Energy Coalition is organized around three divisions: mobility, structures, and communities. Current signature projects include Plug-In Ready Michigan, an infrastructure preparedness plan to ensure Michigan communities are ready to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles; BetterBuildings for Michigan, a program that provides incentives and loans to help make homes and businesses warm, comfortable, and healthy while lowering energy costs; and Ann Arbor Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), the first program of its kind in Michigan, which allows commercial property owners to finance energy-related upgrades through a local property assessment.
Clean Energy Coalition joins 16 other nonprofit organizations, companies, and individuals as Detroit Free Press Michigan Green Award winners for 2012. This year’s honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony at MGM Grand Detroit on April 27.
Gov. Snyder Tours BetterBuildings for Michigan Home in Traverse City
Last week, Governor Rick Snyder toured a home in Traverse City has undergone significant improvements to help improve its energy efficiency.
The home is part of the BetterBuildings for Michigan program, which uses a community approach to deliver energy efficiency improvements by providing access to incentives and affordable loans.
The program kicked off 14 months ago, and Snyder has declared it a “great win” for energy and the environment.
For details about Snyder’s visit, check out this article from Michigan Land Use Institute.
MotorWeek Showcases Metro Cars’ Alt-Fuel Fleet
The PBS program MotorWeek recently highlighted Metro Cars, a southeast Michigan ground transportation provider that’s leading the way in alternative fuel fleets.
Metro Cars partnered with Clean Energy Coalition in 2010 to obtain a federal grant that helped convert 108 vehicles and install propane fueling infrastructure in Grand Rapids. The company’s fleet of alt-fuel vehicles displaces nearly 300,000 gallons of petroleum annually.
Watch the video on the MotorWeek website.
Clean Energy Coalition Helps Western Michigan University Prepare for Electric Vehicles
Western Michigan University has powered up 16 new charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles, thanks to a $700,000 grant from Clean Energy Coalition. Most of the charging stations get at least some of their power from solar panels, and all charging stations on campus are available for use for free.
March 7 Workshop Focuses on Funding and Finance Options for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Funding & Finance
A workshop for entities looking to purchase Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
Automakers are investing heavily into electric vehicles, demonstrated by the launch of 12 new EV models into the U.S. market in 2012. Without a specific line item on the budget to prepare for this trend, many Michigan-based cities, universities, and private businesses are looking for creative financing to encourage EV owners to charge at their facilities.
This two-hour workshop will include presentations on innovative approaches to help entities cover the cost of equipment, installation, and even the vehicles.
When: Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Dearborn’s Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, Studio A, 15801 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126 (map)
AGENDA
- Selecting the Right Equipment and Installer
Mark Ferda, McNaughton-McKay - Performance Contracting for EV Purchasing
Mark Johnson, Johnson Controls - Corporate Sponsorship for EV Charging Stations
Thomas Wither, National Adopt-a-Watt Program - Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program Funding
Wendy Barrott, Ann Arbor PACE Coordinator
A light breakfast will be provided. Register now for this FREE event!
If you have questions about this initiative, please contact Matt Sandstrom, division manager for Clean Energy Mobility.
Supported by: Clean Cities (U.S. Department of Energy)
