Energy efficiency rewarding for Michigan businesses

By JUSTINE McGUIRE
Capital News Service
LANSING – Success in energy efficiency is something worth bragging about in Michigan. Detroit was listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2012 top 25 cities with the most ENERGY STAR rated buildings. It ranked 19th with 100 ENERGY STAR buildings. The leader, Los Angeles, had 528 buildings with ENERGY STAR ratings. ENERGY STAR buildings use less energy, are less expensive to operate and cause fewer greenhouse gas emissions than at least 75 percent of similar buildings.

Low-interest energy loan program expands statewide

By SAODAT ASANOVA-TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING – Local businesses looking to save on energy costs have an opportunity for low-interest loans through an expanded statewide energy financing program. This initiative comes from Michigan Saves Inc., a nonprofit organization helping businesses to lower their expenses and improve their energy efficiency. The organization previously provided loan support to businesses around the Detroit area and is now extending their activities statewide. Julie Metty Bennett, executive director of the organization, said the program provides low-interest loans for energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, insulation, refrigeration, equipment and more. “A lot of the time, operation costs for businesses are much higher than they should be.

Debate over meeting Holland’s energy needs

By MICHAEL GERSTEIN
Capital News Service
LANSING — Holland is looking to reduce its dependency on fossil fuels after years of litigation about a failed multimillion dollar proposal to expand its coal plant. It’s not feasible to meet the city’s energy needs without fossil fuels, said Dan Nally, the business services director for the Holland Board of Public Works. But environmentalists worry about a city council vote looming Nov. 28 that could result in a new natural gas plant for the city. Holland recently approved two contracts with wind farms to meet Michigan’s 2015 deadline for 10 percent clean electrical energy.