Detroit, Michigan; specifically works with the city’s eastside neighborhoods
444,475 square feet
The project included updating mechanical operations and replacement of boilers, pumps, and chillers where water is a critical component; replacing the three 8″ shutoff and backflow prevention valves; installing isolation valves; new Domestic Hot Water boilers; and more.
2024 Michigan Battle of the Buildings winner with 43.63% reduction in Water Use Intensity (gal/ft²)
Shambaugh/EMCOR
The new heating and domestic hot water boilers were paid for through $640,000 in PACE Financing
The Samaritan Center was awarded in the 2024 Michigan Battle of the Buildings competition, in the Water category for a 43.63% reduction in Water Use Intensity (gal/ft²).
The Samaritan Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) wellness-centered community that meets the quality of life needs in Detroit’s eastside neighborhoods. They partner with tenants and other community organizations to offer vital services that spur urban growth and revitalization.
Since 2024, the Samaritan Center has been busy implementing PACE-financed projects. These include updating the mechanical operations and replacement of boilers, pumps, and chillers where water is a critical component. In order to facilitate this work, they replaced the three 8″ shutoff and backflow prevention valves that service the building and installed isolation valves that separated the domestic operations from the mechanical operations. They believe the building has been losing approximately 2 million gallons of water annually, leaking through the old valves.
To address this further, they also separated the domestic hot water system off the heating system with new Domestic Hot Water boilers, meaning the heating water system would finally be able to be shut down during the non-heating months, as the heat exchangers were no longer required. With the system not having redundant water loops running through the building, they were able to modulate the system pressure from 152 pounds (which had been the setpoint since the building was used as a hospital) down to 70 pounds which reduced water consumption for both the domestic and heating water systems for the efficient new boilers did not require the higher pressures and consumption. All mechanical work was performed by their contractor, Shambaugh/EMCOR.
The Samaritan Center was successful in immediately realizing notable savings in the reduction of water usage, and the separation of heating and domestic hot water systems will also now contribute to additional savings, including natural gas consumption and electrical usage in pump operation. This project reduced their Water Use Intensity (gal/ft²) by 43.63%.
One important factor related to energy usage, which is overlooked frequently when calculating savings, is related mechanical costs, not only in the operation of older equipment but in repair costs to maintain that equipment could be substantial, and should be taken into account when considering upgrading building equipment.
There was no assistance or incentives available for the replacement of the valves and backflow prevention; it was a necessary expenditure, which was critical as part of the installation of the new boiler systems. The new heating and domestic hot water boilers were paid for through $640,000 in PACE Financing.
The replacement valves should see a savings annually of approximately $78,000, with a payback period of 15 months. The boilers should see a payback in just over 10 years; however, when mechanical operating savings are configured into the equation, the payback should be more in line with about 8 years.
For The Samaritan Center, being a Michigan Battle of the Buildings award recipient reflects them being “good and responsible members of the community” in energy conservation and sustainability. This is The Samaritan Center’s second time as an awardee, the first was in the Other category in 2022 with energy savings of 12.78%.
When asked what their favorite part of the entire project was, Henry Argasinski stated, “Working with various consultants and contractor partners in the planning stages and the development of various scenarios to determine the best equipment configurations and most likely to implement in the final configuration of equipment to be integrated into the building.”
There are no foreseeable water-related projects in the near future, but long term may include the installation of high-efficiency water fixtures (these were part of the original PACE proposals but had to be scaled due to the funding available. It is likely that, following the commissioning of the new equipment, they may install a solar component for electricity.
The Michigan Battle of the Buildings is an awards and recognition program for energy use reduction open to all Michigan area commercial, industrial & multi-family buildings. The program is a way to encourage energy-efficient practices in buildings across the state and to instill a spirit of friendly competition among the area’s building owners and operators. There is no cost to enter the competition.
The 2024 Michigan Battle of the Buildings competitors saved $8.8 million in energy costs and avoided 44,098 metric tons of CO2e, which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 44,233 acres of US forests in one year! This year, we had 13 industry-specific category winners.
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Data Management and Research Intern
Viraj is passionate about transforming energy data into actionable insights. At MiGBC, he focuses on Automated Benchmarking Services (ABS), helping businesses track, analyze, and optimize their energy usage effortlessly. With a background in data analytics, automation, and research, he works on streamlining energy reporting, integrating utility data, and enhancing benchmarking efficiency.
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology & Management, Viraj enjoys simplifying complex datasets and making energy data more accessible and impactful for businesses and communities. His goal is to leverage automation and data-driven strategies to drive sustainability and help organizations make smarter, more efficient energy decisions.
Board of Directors
Principal Supervisor – Energy Partnerships, DTE Energy
Tamika works as a Principal Supervisor for the Energy Waste Reduction team at DTE Energy. She oversees a team of energy managers that work with commercial and industrial building owners and customers in the DTE Energy service area to achieve their energy efficiency goals. Tamika holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in Engineering Management from Eastern Michigan University. Tamika is also a Certified Energy Manager.
Board of Directors
Attorney, The Business Law Group
Andrew earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Michigan State University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Andrew is an attorney with an extensive background in civil litigation, business matters, franchise law, sports and entertainment law, and landlord-tenant matters. He has helped dozens of businesses and individuals with a variety of issues from starting up a new business venture to collecting debts to contract drafting and negotiations to general counsel to drafting and reviewing franchise agreements to evictions.
Board of Directors
Area General Manager, West Michigan Trane
Jeff joined Trane in 2007 in Madison as operations leader for a territory covering the state of Wisconsin and the western half of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Over the next ten years, he went through a progression of roles and expanding leadership responsibilities culminating as head of construction for a territory covering the Dakotas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of 5 other states. In 2017, he relocated to West Michigan and started leading the customer facing efforts in supporting the needs of communities with their indoor environmental needs from supporting sustainable designs to maintaining performance of the buildings.
Board of Directors
Building Commissioning Specialist, Western Michigan University
DeVon Miller is the Building Commissioning Specialist at Western Michigan University. DeVon has over 8 years of experience in Facilities Management, over 15 years of experience in project management including energy conservation, building automation systems, building commissioning, and is a Building Commissioning Professional and LEED Accredited Professional with ASHRAE and Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) respectively. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University.
Board of Directors
Retired, Steelcase
An accomplished speaker on sustainability, operations environmental performance, and environmental strategies David educates and inspires community, customers, and business influencers through numerous board and community activities, national conferences, and educational events. David has a Bachelor’s in Microbiology and Public Health from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Management from Aquinas College. David participated as a member of the foundation committee that formed the West Michigan Chapter.
Board of Directors
Director of Business Development, Michigan Women Forward
Armed with a heart dedicated to service and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Cornerstone University, Ana Jose strives to be an advocate for those without a voice. Born and raised in a small Dominican province called Ingenio Consuelo, Ana’s roots are reflected through her work with the community. During her four years with Bethany Christian Services, she developed programs to secure housing for youth from overseas, specifically those from Central America. Ana’s ability to create and implement effective programming has allowed her to seamlessly step into the role of Program Manager at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The initiative that Ana will continue to grow and improve is called Transformando West Michigan, which focuses on Hispanic business owners that have the desire to gain knowledge and experience in differing fields, such as financial education or food safety certification. Her personal goal for the program is to facilitate opportunities for growth within Hispanic businesses. As a business owner herself, Ana operated West Michigan Mortgage and Financial Services (2004), in which she found great success helping people to understand the value of homeownership, which allowed her to become instrumental in helping families secure FHA loans. She has also created programs to help families improve their credit and secure properties in the city of Grand Rapids. Ana graduated from the Latino Talent Program at Ferris State University in 2015 and finds inspiration from the local community, her family, and Hispanic culture. She enjoys spending time with her husband and children and strives to be a good mom, daughter, and friend.
Board of Directors – Secretary
Manager of Product Innovation, Consumer’s Energy
As Manager of Product Innovation for Consumers Energy, Lisa leads a portfolio of pilots and research projects to explore and test potential new products for the utility’s business customers. This work looks at emerging technology, civic partnerships, and programs that offer customers solutions in energy efficiency, energy demand-side management, electrification, and renewables, while working to support the company’s Clean Energy Plan. Prior to Consumers, Lisa was Director of Marketing and Communication at the Capital Region Community Foundation and held a variety of customer experience roles at MSU Federal Credit Union. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Alma College and a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Michigan State University.
Board of Directors – Treasurer
President, Cella Building Company
Peter is president of Cella Building Company, specializing in sustainable new construction and redevelopment of under-utilized properties. Peter has experience in all phases of the development process from site selection through operations. By focusing on the impact on people, planet, and profit; Peter and the Cella Building Company team look to incorporate the principles of the triple bottom line to all projects in which they are involved.
Board of Directors – Vice Chair
Principal / Mechanical Engineer, Ignyte Design
Jon is a Principal at IGNYTE Design and a registered Professional Engineer, licensed in multiple states. He provides expertise in sustainable design and carbon reduction for healthcare, higher education, government, and large commercial clients across the country. He has extensive experience working with facilities management teams to assess existing systems, plan for future capital projects, reduce their carbon footprint, and maximize their return on investment. When Jon isn’t helping clients, he’s spending time outside with his wife Kelly and daughters Adelyn and Amelia. He’s passionate about gardening, woodworking, and classic cars.
Board of Directors – Chair
PE / Associate / Senior Civil Engineer, Fishbeck
Ryan Musch is a Senior Civil Engineer and leads the Site Development Group at Fishbeck. Ryan has over 15 years of experience in Site and Civil Engineering and has focused much of his efforts on Sustainable Design within his Site Development and Civil projects. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Calvin College, a Masters of Business Administration from Grand Valley State University, and is a LEED Accredited Professional and Sustainable SITES Accredited Professional.
Program Manager, Lansing 2030 District
Audrey (she/her), a lifelong environmentalist, has joined the MiGBC to champion the Emerging Lansing 2030 District. With over 15 years of experience in complex project and program management, Audrey brings a combination of technical expertise and enthusiasm for sustainable solutions.
As a dedicated climate activist, Audrey is committed to addressing pressing environmental challenges through community engagement and informed action. Audrey is a Michigan native with a Masters of Science in Packaging from Michigan State University and enjoys spending time outdoors, participating in endurance sports, and caring for animals.
Communications Manager
Ally (she/her) is our Communications Manager. She is in charge of working on our weekly newsletter, social media presence, website updating, blog, and more! Directly prior to this role she spent five months with us as our Website and Usability Intern. She is a graduate of Michigan State University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and her Bachelor’s Degree in Comparative Cultures and Politics. She is passionate about combining her skills and love of design with environmental advocacy, as well as learning new ways to better the environment in her daily life.
In her free time she is an avid gardener, bike packer, and Great Lakes visitor. Though on a regular day she can be found spending most of her time with her two cats or taking care of her many houseplants.
Program Manager
Kayla (she/her) is the lead for our programs where she focuses on data management, educational events, and assisting local organizations with energy efficiency initiatives. Before joining MiGBC, Kayla performed energy audits, led internal educational sessions to bridge MEP design with energy efficiency, and collaborated with design engineers on reducing energy loads. She also has 4 years of experience in the brewing industry where she created her own sustainability internship tracking KPIs and implementing waste reduction strategies.
Kayla completed her associate degree at GRCC before transferring to the University of Michigan and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Environmental Studies. She is passionate about equitable, energy efficient, and ecologically conscious buildings. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, spending time with family, and working on creative projects.
Event & Membership Manager
Wendy (she/her) coordinates our event planning, membership management, tracking & planning program impact and community engagement, as well as sharing in the development of all programs. Wendy is most passionate about mitigating climate change, reducing energy consumption, and environmental conservation.
Wendy comes to MiGBC with fifteen years of account management, event planning, volunteer training, and administrative experience in the non-profit and corporate sectors with a focus on the education environment. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resource Management and Environmental Studies.
Wendy spent her childhood days on the shores of Lake Superior and is a Yooper at heart. In here spare time she likes to keep active. She has been a long distance runner since middle school, is a certified advanced NAUII scuba diver, practices hot yoga, and loves to spend time exploring nature and traveling.
Executive Director
Cheri (she/her) is a LEED Accredited Professional with extensive experience and a genuine passion for energy & water conservation. Other areas of interest include indoor environmental quality, clean/renewable energy, access to healthy food and all things related to educating and promoting a healthy built environment. Prior to her work in non-profit Cheri spent most of her career consulting & partnering with private sector corporations to reduce resource consumption within their facilities through the implementation of energy conservation technologies and improved operational practices.
Mrs. Holman is a Past Chair of our Board of Directors after serving as Treasurer for 2 years. In early 2008 Cheri founded the LEED for Existing Building Advocacy Group. She served as a subject matter expert for the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) LEED for EB Operations and Maintenance test development in 2008 and the Commercial Reviewer exam test development in 2009. In 2010 & 2011 Cheri served as a Greenbuild conference session reviewer.
