Welcome to Your Energy Efficiency Journey! As a Small Commercial Building Owner, taking steps towards energy efficiency can save you money and increase your property’s value. Below, we’ve outlined important steps and resources to help guide you.
Have you checked out our practical guidebook? This resource provides step-by-step instructions to enhance your building’s efficiency.
Energy benchmarking provides a snapshot of your building’s energy performance compared to similar properties. This is a critical step for managing and forecasting your energy and carbon footprint. Learn more about the benefits and tools available to help track your energy usage.
The organizations listed below offer no cost assessments for buildings located in Michigan. These assessments offer a broad evaluation of energy resources and strategies.
An energy audit examines energy consumption within a building to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for energy savings. An audit should include on site inspections, measurements, and data collection. A comprehensive report will include recommended energy conservation measures, estimated costs and savings.
Below are resources on energy audits and assessments:
Discover various local programs that can help offset the initial cost of most projects. Some utility companies offer exclusive rebates to help small businesses. If a small business program is not called out or linked, ask your utility company if they offer additional incentives.
There can be a cost of waiting on some energy efficiency projects. This means that the energy you could be saving now is greater than the loan repayment. Some loans are structured to have a positive cash flow in the first month after the equipment is installed. Below are several options to consider:
The Michigan Battle of the Buildings is an awards and recognition program for energy use reduction open to all Michigan area commercial, industrial and 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.
— Dave Heinz, Odawa Casino
Become a member of one or all of the Michigan 2030 Districts. By joining their membership, you’re joining a network committed to improving energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in commercial buildings.
Energy efficiency is a continuous process. It involves ongoing efforts to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and improve systems over time. Accessing your building’s energy use at regular intervals will identify trends and inefficiencies. In addition, technology is evolving and emerging with new solutions and practices that may change prior circumstances and require adjustments in planning.
It’s easier than ever to get involved in the green building community. Join our newsletter for events, education, and community news!
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