Understanding the multifamily housing market is critical for advocates looking to ease the disproportionately high energy burden on multifamily renters and the utilities trying to reach them. This new paper provides data and analysis highlighting the large percentage of buildings that are currently underserved through energy efficiency programs and potential energy savings that would greatly benefit residents and increase overall energy portfolio savings.
Join the Alliance for Industrial Efficiency and Cleveland-area sheet metal workers for a training center tour and roundtable discussion on the benefits of industrial energy efficiency.
This is not only a unique opportunity to observe union apprentices in action, we’ll also discuss the larger market, policy and regulatory issues affecting job opportunities in sheet metal.
State legislators, policymakers, media and energy efficiency businesses will be in attendance. Speakers will include Jennifer Kefer (AIE), Trish Demeter (Ohio Environmental Council) and union representatives. View the event flyer to learn more.
Thursday, September 21, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Milwaukee, WI
This conference, presented by the M-WERC Industrial Energy Efficiency Working Group, is geared toward owners, executives and key decision makers of small- and medium-sized manufacturers. It will cover case studies and examples of leveraging external resources and smart investments in efficiency to save energy and money.
See the full program to learn more about speakers and topics.
The Lighting Utility Midwest Exchange Network (Midwest LUMEN) connects MEEA member utility program professionals throughout the region to leverage resources, engage in strategic planning and coordinate efforts on advanced lighting. Midwest LUMEN is the regional source for advanced lighting information, providing important benefits to strengthen utility programs and promote program uptake.
Please contact Rose Jordan at rjordan@mwalliance.org if you are a utility employee and are interested in joining this peer network.
Deadline Approaching – Submit a Topic for MES 2018
MEEA members – we want your help shaping the agenda for MES 2018. The deadline to submit speaker and topic suggestions is fast approaching, so send us your brief session ideas today!
Ready to take the next step in shaping MES? Join the conference advisory committee to help pick session topics, identify keynote speakers, improve sponsor benefits and more.
Until Friday, August 18, sponsorship for MES 2018 is open exclusively to MEEA members. That means you get first pick of branded items, booth space and other perks. Don’t wait another day to become a supporter of the region’s leading EE conference.
*Discount sponsorship/membership combos are available for new members. Contact Jen Rhodes to learn more.*
Apply for the 2018 Inspiring Efficiency Awards
Is your team doing exemplary work to advance energy efficiency in the Midwest? Are you innovating, connecting with new audiences or making a unique impact? Apply today for the 2018 Inspiring Efficiency Awards.
Nominations are being accepted through Friday, September 15.
In the latest installment of our summer webinar series, we’ll meet the marketing masters from Nicor Gas, whose multicultural marketing strategy found creative ways to engage previously underserved customers. Then, Xcel Energy will give an inside look at their award-winning education program, Partners in Energy.
Thinking of earning your BPI certification? Illinois students can save up to $750 with rebates from Illinois Home Performance. $250 can be awarded per certification (Building Analyst, Envelope, and Residential Building Envelope Whole House Air Leakage Control Installer).
Funds are distributed on a first come, first served basis, so find out if you meet the conditions today.
Thursday, August 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Park Ridge, IL
If your BPI certification is up for renewal or you would like a better understanding of the BPI Standards, this course is for you. The course includes a review of 1100, 1200 and Building Analyst Standards and qualifies for 2.0 CEUs.
Duct & Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier Certification Training
Thursday, August 24, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Carterville, IL
The Blower & Blaster Basics DET Certification event is a comprehensive, one-day course designed to introduce both beginner and intermediate-level participants to the skills necessary to become an Illinois Diagnostic Energy Tester, certified to perform the necessary duct and envelope tight-ness tests required for new homes by the Illinois Energy Conservation Code.
This course is being presented by BuildRIGHT Illinois, Inc.
Seventhwave Course:
High performance mechanical systems for houses that work
September 6 in Eau Claire | September 7 in La Crosse
8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Residential mechanical systems have grown in complexity and scope over the past several years. Codes have mandated higher insulation levels, better windows and tighter construction. Now is the time to rethink and redesign HVAC, hot water heating and electronic home control systems. Through lecture, case studies and group exercises; we’ll zero in on the compelling opportunities to simultaneously create comfortable, durable, safe, healthy and efficient homes while managing costs. Learn more and register today.
Special two for one pricing for HVAC/Builder duos who attend together. Email registration for details.
E Source Forum
September 12-15 in Denver
Your target market is at the E Source Forum, and you should be too. Being a sponsor provides your company with the opportunity to forge relationships with over 85 different utilities across the US and Canada. See all the sponsorship opportunities (PDF). We expect to host 500 attendees from utilities this year.
To secure your sponsorship, email Larry Robinson or call him at 303-345-9164.
ComEd, Nicor Gas Tap Whisker Labs for Residential EE Pilot
Whisker Labs, which is bringing next generation home energy intelligence technologies to market, recently announced that ComEd and Nicor Gas have tapped Whisker Labs’ Connected Savings service for a residential smart thermostat pilot program designed to help customers reduce energy costs associated with cooling and heating their homes. Read the press release.
Upcoming BOC Classes
Want to improve the comfort of your office while simultaneously improving the efficiency of your building? Tell your building staff about BOC!
BOC is a nationally recognized training and certification program focusing on energy efficient building operations and preventative maintenance procedures.
The Trump administration recently announced a major legal step toward repealing an Obama-era regulation designed to limit pollution in 60% of the nation’s bodies of water.
The rule, known as the Waters of the United States, or WOTUS, would have extended existing federal protections of large bodies of water (under the 1972 Clean Water Act), such as the Great Lakes, to smaller bodies that flow into them, such as rivers, small waterways, and wetlands. One third of Americans rely on these waterways for drinking water.
The EPA is currently accepting public comment, now through August 28th. Will you take two minutes to protect our waters by adding your voice? More
NuCon Corporation, a machine shop in Livonia, recently received renewed status as a Michigan Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MSHARP) worksite from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).
“I commend NuCon and its employees for their continued commitment to excellence in workplace accident and illness prevention,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “MIOSHA is pleased to renew this special designation that recognizes NuCon for making the safety and health of its workers a top priority.”More
How are you feeling? Do you ever feel weighed down by daily stress and anxiety? I wouldn’t be surprised since we live in a world jam-packed with crazy schedules and the pressure to do a million things at once. I get it if you think that stress-free living is impossible. But now more than ever, we have to find ways to decompress and shake off that stress. It’s a silent killer that creeps up on us and significantly elevates our risk for disease and premature death.More
Friends of Cabrini, an organization and volunteer group focused on community enrichment, and Cabrini High School contacted Parjana® Distribution regarding standing water in their newly renovated football field.More
Back in 2012, Takeru Kobayashi ate 337 wings in front of 20,000 people at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia setting a national record. This Labor Day Weekend, Michigan residents will attempt to top that feat again at the 2017 Michigan Chicken Wing Festival at Adado Riverfront Park, Downtown Lansing. More
Would you like to wish on a shooting star? You’re in luck.
In fact, for anybody who would like to catch some stellar views, the perfect opportunity is coming up next week during peak activity of the Perseid meteor shower.
Numerous Michigan state parks will host “Meteors & S’mores,” Perseid meteor shower viewing parties, on Aug. 11-12.
“Many consider themselves lucky if they catch a shooting star, but the Perseid meteor shower is one of the best opportunities to see them with the naked eye,” said Elissa Buck, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources event coordinator.
At parks from southeast Michigan to the Keweenaw Peninsula, day-use visitors and campers can enjoy a night of stargazing with complimentary s’mores and campfires. Participating parks will stay open later than their normal closing times.
“We encourage those who want to catch magnificent views with fellow park-goers to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and take part in one of these Meteors & S’mores events,” Buck said.
The Perseid meteor shower happens every summer, as the Earth passes through the debris trail of Comet Swift-Tuttle.
“The Perseids, which peak during mid-August, are considered the best meteor shower of the year. With very fast and bright meteors, Perseids frequently leave long ‘wakes’ of light and color behind them as they streak through Earth’s atmosphere,” according to the NASA website. “The Perseids are one of the most plentiful showers (50-100 meteors seen per hour) and occur with warm summer nighttime weather, allowing sky watchers to easily view them.”
“To take full advantage of the peak meteor shower activity that is estimated to take place Aug. 9-16, we suggest making camping reservations throughout the week and sleeping under the stars,” said Buck.
To check camping availability in state parks and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS.
Some of the Meteors & S’mores programs offer added fun, like the one at Warren Dunes State Park in Berrien County, which includes ghost stories around the campfire.
“We start our program around a beach campfire as the sun sets over Lake Michigan. I tell legends and ghost stories around the campfire. I focus on Michigan lore and history. The ghost stories are designed to be fun – and funny,” said Mike Latus, a guide with the DNR’s State Park Explorer Program who works at Warren Dunes.
As the sky starts to darken, Latus and volunteers hand out supplies for making s’mores to attendees and set up park telescopes. They also hand out sky maps and help visitors learn how to find constellations.
“We often have more than 100 people viewing the sky,” Latus said. “Throughout the program, we watch for shooting stars. Each streak of light brings ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs.’”
At Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Keweenaw County – site of a restored 1844 military outpost – astronomy meets history, as Meteors & S’mores visitors get to stargaze inside Fort Wilkins.
Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County partners with the local astronomy club to present the annual meteor-viewing event.
“The Ford Amateur Astronomy Club has been viewing the night sky at Island Lake for 25-plus years. Three years ago, I asked the club to participate with Meteors & S’mores,” said Andrew Haapala, DNR unit manager at Island Lake Recreation Area. “Their club agreed to participate and brought several telescopes for members of the public to view, tables with meteorites, and a presentation on the solar system. The club is lined up for their third Meteor & S’mores event to be held on Aug. 12 at Spring Mill Pond.”
That partnership led to another with the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs, which is teaming up with the DNR to present Astronomy at the Beach at Island Lake on Sept. 29 and 30. This family-friendly event, featuring a variety of hands-on activities, will give visitors a chance to enjoy the park and the night sky while learning a little about astronomy.
If you’re looking for a place to explore the night sky on your own, many state parks make great stargazing locations.
There are state-designated dark sky preserves – ideal locations for astronomy, as they are protected against light pollution – in six Michigan state parks: Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County, Negwegon State Park in Alcona County, Port Crescent State Park in Huron County, Rockport Recreation Area in Alpena County, Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County and Wilderness State Park in Emmet County.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is recognized as a dark sky viewing area and also offers excellent stargazing opportunities across more than 15,000 square miles.
Another great option for viewing the night sky is Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, the only internationally designated dark sky park in the state.
In March, Headlands International Dark Sky Park was awarded the second annual Pure Award, recognizing Michigan tourism entities that have pioneered innovative and exemplary best practices in natural, cultural and/or heritage stewardship.
“Headlands was selected as this year’s winner based on the importance the park has put on the night sky as a vast and vanishing natural resource,” said Maia Turek, DNR statewide recreation programmer and co-chair of the Resources and Environment Implementation Committee of the 2012-2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan, the group that gives the Pure Award.
An Emmet County park, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park property is available to the public thanks, in part, to funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. To learn more about Headlands, visit midarkskypark.org.
Michigan, along with the rest of North America, will get the chance to experience another unique cosmic phenomenon this month – this one during the day – with the solar eclipse on Aug. 21. It will be the first time a total eclipse has crossed the United States, coast-to-coast, since 1918.
Because we’re outside the total eclipse path that runs from Oregon to South Carolina, Michigan will see a partial eclipse, where the moon only covers part of the sun’s disk.
For more information about Meteors & S’mores and other opportunities for stargazing in state parks, go to michigan.gov/darksky.
Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories and subscribe to upcoming articles at www.michigan.gov/dnrstories.
/Note to editors: Contact: John Pepin 906-226-1352. Accompanying photos are available below for download and media use. Suggested captions follow. Credit: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, unless otherwise noted.
Fire: Toasting marshmallows on a fire is one of the fun Meteors & S’mores activities at select Michigan state parks.
NASA-1: In this 30-second exposure, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower Friday, Aug. 12, 2016 in Spruce Knob, West Virginia. (NASA/Bill Ingalls photo)
NASA-2: Astronaut Ron Garan, Expedition 28 flight engineer, tweeted this image from the International Space Station in August 2011. (NASA photo)
NASA-3: In this 30-second exposure, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Spruce Knob, West Virginia. (NASA/Bill Ingalls photo)
NASA-4: Astronomer Fred Bruenjes recorded a series of many 30-second-long exposures spanning about six hours on the night of Aug. 11 and early morning of Aug. 12, 2004 using a wide-angle lens. Combining those frames which captured meteor flashes, he produced this dramatic view of the Perseids of summer. There are 51 Perseid meteors in the composite image, including one seen nearly head-on. (Fred Bruenjes image)
Program: Devin Burke, a State Park Explorer Program guide, has fun with a visitor at the Meteors & S’mores program at Young State Park in Charlevoix County.
Telescope: A visitor gets ready for the meteor shower at Van Riper State Park in Marquette County.
Warren: Mike Latus, State Park Explorer Program guide at Warren Dunes State Park, talks with some young park visitors./
Curt Monhart was sitting across the desk from an organization’s facility manager discussing a thick folder lying open between them.
Monhart, Vice President of the Energy Alliance Group of Michigan (EAG), was listening as the manager explained the situation that had created the rather cumbersome document. An energy audit had been commissioned by the CFO several years earlier in an attempt to rein in rising energy costs. The document resulted from an in-depth onsite analysis of the operation and had been presented at the conclusion of the audit.More