Energy Works Michigan

Energy Works Michigan update

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:02:58 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009
It has been 6 months since the start of a grant from the State of Michigan for the Renewable Schools Program , and Energy Works Michigan has hit the ground running. We are a new Michigan based not-for-profit working to build foundational capacities in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

Energy Works is a joint venture between Recycle Ann Arbor, The Ecology Center, and Conservation Services Group. Our efforts focus on K-12 schools, providing: educational materials, demonstration renewable energy equipment , energy audits, technical resources, and information on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

To meet our goals, we have been busy working in our new office on Washington Street in Ann Arbor. We have settled into our office, furnished from the Re-Use Center, run by our parent organization, Recycle Ann Arbor. Our staff has grown to six members, plus six interns. Our interns are working hard to support the program. One of our interns, Theresa, is a sophomore at University of Michigan and is part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). She is doing research with Laura and Courtney on evaluating the educational materials for the Renewable Schools Program Curriculum Development.

Currently, the office is buzzing with activity launching the Renewable Schools Program. Enjoy the website - and learn more about how your school can participate!

Fall 2009 Newsletter

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:01:02 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009
Energy Works has sent out our Fall Newsletter. Take a look and see what we've been up to!

Future lesson plans currently in development

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:56:09 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009
Our educational development team is working on custom lesson plans for Michigan schools. These lessons will provide region-specific lessons to educate students on fundamental energy concepts. While the final lesson plans are still being developed, you can now check out our Guiding Principles.

Now accepting school applications!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:40:10 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 28 Oct 2009

The Michigan Renewable school Program is now accepting applications for both the Energy Efficiency (EE) Program and Renewable Energy (RE) Program. Interested schools can find Guidelines and Applications online.

Become an Energy Superhero!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:09:18 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 18 Nov 2009
This fun cartoon shows that actions are stronger than words when it comes to saving energy. The cartoon family realizes that they've been wasteful and they become energy superheros, showing us all the easy ways to reduce energy use at home and work.

Saving Energy cartoon video

Energy Cartoon from School House Rocks

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 18 Nov 2009
This School House Rocks cartoon is from decades ago. It's amazing to see how applicable the lessons still are today. The message is simple and fun- let's work together to save energy!

School House Rocks- Energy video

Sesame Street Goes Green

nospam@nospam.corp (Nick Gaydos) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Posted by Nick Gaydos on 18 Nov 2009
Sesame Street, a beloved children's program, uses singing puppets to make saving energy fun! Listen to "Polly Darton" singing "Save Your Energy for Me."

Sesame Street energy video

Energy Kids Games & Activities

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:22:57 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 04 Nov 2009
Q: How are renewable power plants like people who enjoy going to the beach?

There are tons of great riddles, quizzes, games and more at websites teaching students about energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Find out the answer to the riddle at Energy Kids! This website offers a host of riddles, puzzles, quizzes, and experiments for students. Check it out here! (A: They both enjoy sun, wind and water!)
Want to play the Energy Hog game?
Learn how to save energy with Tinkerbell and her friends.
Check out Climate Change Animations and more.
Go on an Energy Quest!
Become a NASA Climate Kid!

The Story of Stuff

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:21:32 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 02 Dec 2009
This 20 minute video by Annie Leonard strives to explain all the things that go into the products we buy, the environmental ramifications, and why we might want to be more selective with how we spend our money.

Create a stellar home recycling system

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:20:24 -0500

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
This article from CNN offers 5 quick tips for household recycling including:

Set up a two-part system: one for everyday disposal, another for storing
Do research, study your trash, create convenience, pick a storage space
Get a divided container that lets you separate as you dispose
Consider hanging sturdy shopping bags on the inside of a pantry door

By Jennifer Pigott Moeller
October 27, 2009 7:17 a.m. EDT

Website Offers Tips to Kids for Saving Energy

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:03:47 -0500

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
This fun website from the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy offers games and tips for kids and resources for consumers:

Moving Windmills: The William Kamkwamba story

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:55:57 -0500

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
Inspiring story of an African teenager who built his own windmill and changed a city:

Teen’s DIY Energy Hacking Gives African Village New Hope

nospam@nospam.corp (Andrea Austin) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:52:22 -0500

Posted by Andrea Austin on 27 Oct 2009
By Kim Zetter - Wired - October 2, 2009 1:32 pm

Some people see lemons and make lemonade. William Kamkwamba saw wind and made a windmill.

This might not seem like a mighty feat. But Kamkwamba, who grew up in Masitala, a tiny rural farming village off the grid in Malawi, was 14 years old in 2001 when he spotted a photo of a windmill in a U.S. textbook one day. He decided to make one, hacking together a contraption from strips of PVC pipe, rusty car and bicycle parts and blue gum trees.

Though he ultimately had big designs for his creation, all he really wanted to do initially was power a small bulb in his bedroom so he could stay up and read past sunset. read the full article...

Building bridges for high school grads to green jobs training

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:00 -0500

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 19 Jan 2010
Energy Works is pleased to announce partnerships with the following Michigan institutions that offer green jobs training: Ferris State University, Michigan Technological University, Montcalm Community College, M-TEC at Bay College, Muskegon Community College, and Northwestern Michigan College. Energy Works will award grant funds totaling $60,000 to the institutions for program development, including the purchase of equipment for training, to fund current projects, and/or other program improvements. Some institutions will use the grant award to fund hands-on projects that will be showcased to high school students.

The Post-Secondary Program will link 30 high schools participating in the Michigan Renewable Schools Program to green jobs training - to improve the economic condition in Michigan and maximize job creation. Energy Works has partnered with institutions that have demonstrated a strong commitment to energy efficiency and renewable energy education and have the ability to provide job-ready graduates. Students and faculty at the post-secondary institutions will actively engage with high school students to raise awareness and provide guidance about pursuing careers in Michigan’s green economy, thus growing the pool of Michigan green-collar job candidates. Presentations held by the institutions at area high schools are intended to inform and inspire high school students about prospects for careers in clean energy, and encourage students to seek post-high school training opportunities in their region.

Learn more...

Kite Power!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:45:00 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 17 Nov 2009
The individual stories from people's lives can be so inspiring. TED has collected videos from people with all sorts of backgrounds to share their stories. This 5 minute video explores the potential in kites.

Kite-powered wind energy video

Winter 2010 Newsletter

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 02 Feb 2010

Click here to check out the following stories in the Winter 2010 Newsletter:

Energy Efficiency Program is now FREE!
Check out our new website!
Schools participate in the Michigan Renewable Schools Program (MRSP)
Building bridges for high school grads to green jobs training
We support carbon reduction projects, including projects in Michigan
Energy Works is proud to be green!

Click Here to Download Applications, Guidelines, and FAQs!

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:24:06 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 05 Nov 2009
Download Applications, Guidelines, and FAQs for the Energy Efficiency Program and Renewable Energy Program! Submit your Application today to participate in the Michigan Renewable Schools Program!

Energy Efficiency Program

Click here to download EE Application

Click here to download EE Guidelines

Click here to download FAQs

Renewable Energy Program

Click here to download RE Application

Click here to download RE Guidelines

Click here to download FAQs

William Kamkwamba - The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

nospam@nospam.corp (Emile Lauzzana) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Posted by Emile Lauzzana on 03 Dec 2009
John Stewart interviews William Kamkwamba who recounts his mission to overcome famine and poverty in his village by building a windmill from a picture in a library book.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

William Kamkwamba

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

What are Carbon Offsets?

nospam@nospam.corp (Kendal Kuneman) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Posted by Kendal Kuneman on 28 Dec 2009

How does the amount of energy we use to power our every day activities influence carbon emissions and Global Climate Change? What can you do reduce your carbon emissions by making small behavioral changes in your daily lifestyle? Get ideas by reading more about what changes Energy Works has made in our office to reduce our carbon emissions.

Carbon Dioxide
Causes of Global Climate Change are due to greenhouse gases that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere. These gases include, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane, Nitrous Oxide, and Hydrofluorocarbons. These gases are often referred to as Equivalent CO2 (CO2e). Of most concern is the increase of CO2 levels in the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal) for energy use in the United States. Methane is also of concern, due to the fact that it has more than 20 times the effects as an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide, but only represents a lower percentage of gases contributing to Global Climate Change.

Energy Use & CO2
Energy-related CO2 emissions due to human activity are the likely cause of the rapid increase in global average temperatures over the past several decades. Reducing further impact due to human activity will lessen the effects of Climate Change. Using a carbon calculator to measure your carbon emissions tells you how many tons of CO2 entered the atmosphere annually due to your individual carbon-producing activities. This calculation of CO2 tonnage is your carbon footprint.

One metric ton of CO2
Using one gallon of gasoline in your car produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions (26 pounds if you account for the processing of the fuel). One metric ton of CO2 is equal to 2205 lbs. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one metric ton of CO2 is released to the atmosphere for every 103 gallons of gasoline used. The typical American household produces one metric ton of CO2 to meet the average monthly energy demand. We emit carbon emissions in our day-to-day lifestyles. This is our carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint
Many people are interested in learning more about ways to reduce their carbon footprint, or generation of CO2, and become carbon neutral by balancing their impact. You can reduce your impact on the environment by committing to daily lifestyle choices of conservation, and balance your remaining impact by purchasing carbon offsets to reduce and offset your annual generation of CO2. One carbon offset reduces one metric ton of CO2, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. When you purchase a carbon offset, you are funding clean energy and carbon reduction projects to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Carbon offsets
Carbon offset prices change and exchange rates fluctuate depending on the company and the project. Carbon offsets can be purchased through means of tradable credits from the Chicago Climate Exchange, or can take the form of different carbon reduction projects verified by an accredited third party. There are over 200 types of projects for generating carbon offsets. These projects are grouped into broad category project types.

Energy Works has purchased carbon offsets to balance our office carbon emissions by supporting carbon reduction projects to offset 68 metric tons of CO2 produced by our office. Many of the projects we support our located in Michigan. Learn more...

Other ways to lessen our impact
Before purchasing carbon offsets, consider how to reduce your carbon emissions by making small behavioral changes in your daily lifestyle. Energy Works has made these changes in our office to reduce our carbon emissions:

We purchased used office furniture and supplies, therefore reducing the emissions from the production of new products.
We purchased Energy Star computers and an efficient, mini refrigerator that use less energy.
When not in use, all computers are set to power off after 15 minutes.
Our office building is naturally lit from skylights and windows that require minimal lighting during the day.
The thermostat is programmable to 72-74 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and 68-70 degrees during occupied hours in the winter, and can easily be adjusted. The thermostat is programmed to 55 degrees when the office is unoccupied, evenings and weekends.
We only use biodegradable, natural cleaning products and keep indoor plants for healthy indoor air quality and a healthy environment.
Washable cloth towels have replaced paper towels in our bathrooms and kitchen.
We purchase 100% recycled paper and other office supplies that contain recycled content. We try to purchase most office supplies locally, to reduce shipping emissions and support our local economy.
All one-sided printed paper is reused for printing on the back side.
We use eFax to receive all faxes digitally via email to reduce and eliminate the use of paper to receive a fax.
We reuse packaging material.
We purchase Organic Fair Trade coffee from the local Food Co-op.
Only non-disposable dishes and utensils are available in the kitchen.
We make an effort to recycle everything in the office, including paper, cardboard, metal, plastic bottles, glass, aluminum, etc.
There is a container in the kitchen to collect backyard compost, therefore reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill, and creating richer soil for local gardens.
Catalogs and unwanted mail are cancelled by calling to remove our name and address from mailing lists, therefore reducing the amount of wasted paper.

Ann Arbor company uses grant to help schools save and make energy

nospam@nospam.corp (Kelly Weger) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:24:22 -0500

Posted by Kelly Weger on 22 Feb 2010
Original article posted Feb. 18, 2010 at AnnArbor.com

Educating a new generation about power sources that are cheap, clean and renewable is the overarching mission of Energy Works Michigan of Ann Arbor.

The company, a subsidiary of Ann Arbor's Ecology Center and Recycle Ann Arbor, won a $3.5 million grant last summer from the Michigan Public Service Commission to assist up to 60 K-12 schools throughout Michigan in making their buildings more energy efficient through mechanical updates, lighting and weather stripping, and in some, creating energy with solar- and wind-based systems. The grant extends to teacher training and campus computer kiosks that record how much energy is generated and stored with the installations.

So far, Energy Works is contracting with about 50 public and private schools, providing engineering and energy assessments by architects and engineers. Those that make energy improvements are eligible to receive a $5,000 rebate from the company, says Emile Lauzzana, Energy Works' project director.

Some schools are also tapping grants offered through incentive programs of utility companies like Consumers Power and DTE Energy.

The kind of project a school chooses depends on finances and the age and size of the facility, but energy efficiency "is the most cost-effective, low-hanging fruit to save money for schools," Lauzzana says. "If the facility has major efficiency improvements or it's a newer facility, we encourage them to participate in renewable energy program."

Cost savings are difficult to measure, but with simple updates of mechanical systems, lighting controls and lights and application of seals around windows and doors, schools can easily save 20-30 percent on electricity and heating bills, says Lauzzana. For an average-size school building, that means $30,000 to $50,000 savings annually.

The smaller-scale solar and wind installations, planned for about half the schools, won't have as an immediate or dramatic impact on utility costs, Lauzzana says, but they're a great educational tool.

The grant will enable Energy Works and its contractors to install residential-size systems in most of the buildings and four large-scale installations, with some of the funding provided by the schools. A few examples: Upland Hills School in Oxford is installing a 10-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on its roof that will provide 70 percent of the building's electrical needs, he says. Greenville Public Schools, near Grand Rapids, is pursuing a similar 100-kilowatt solar operation in an elementary school, partnering with a utility's renewable energy incentive program.

Closer to home, Onsted Community Schools, a district southwest of Ann Arbor, is installing a 2-kilowatt wind turbine and 1-kilowatt solar awning that will tie into a grid near the high school physics lab, a handy learning tool for students, who will also be able to track via computer the amount of energy captured and expended.

The district kicked in $18,000 for the project, says Superintendent Mark Haag, because it fits well into the school's environmental curriculum. While the energy feed is in the high school, the lessons developed around it will benefit elementary and middle school students on the same campus, he says.

"Even though the payoff is quite a few years ahead, it becomes a pretty useful instructional tool," Haag says.

Part of the Energy Works Michigan grant covers presentations by participating colleges that offer green jobs training.

"We're hoping that by facilitating presentations in high schools by institutions, it will give soon-to-be high school graduates a place to go, as opposed to not having a plan and falling through the educational cracks," says Lauzzana.

Projects are planned for the spring in Detroit and surrounding suburbs, Port Huron, Grand Rapids and the Upper Peninsula.

Julie Edgar is a freelance writer for AnnArbor.com