BETTER BUILDINGS FOR MICHIGAN

The City of Traverse City along with two local non-profits, SEEDS and the Michigan Land Use Institute has recently been awarded a grant for a pilot state wide program called "Better Buildings for Michigan". This public and non-profit partnership includes participation of Traverse city Light and Power as part of their energy efficiency work in the community. Often opportunities like this are only available in major metropolitan areas so this is a very big deal for Traverse City and tribute to the efforts of our community.

"Better Building for Michigan" uses a community approach to deliver energy efficient improvements for homes by providing access to incentives and affordable loans. The so called "Neighborhood Sweeps" are designed to use skilled local consultants and contractors and economies of scale to provide a large quantity of homes in targeted neighborhoods with energy efficient improvements. The objectives are to reduce energy consumption, improve occupant health and comfort and reduce the homes negative impact on the environment.

The two neighborhoods consist of over 1,000 homes whose owners will have this opportunity. Each will be personally contacted either in person or by phone to have the program explained to them. They will have an opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

If the home owner is interested in the program, an appointment will be made with a Michigan Saves authorized participating contractor to do an on site inspection of the home using testing equipment and software tools to determine how efficiently the house uses energy. The assessment will also identify ways to address common problems such as ice dams, moisture on windows, drafty rooms and dry indoor air. Once the assessment is complete, home owners receive a detailed report and estimate of energy savings for specific improvements so they can make the best choices for their home. The contractor will also provide and install items from an energy efficiency kit (direct install items) that could include things like programmable thermostats, low flow shower-heads, pipe wrapping and simple weather sealing around doors and windows.

The assessment with report and instillation of the energy efficiency kit items are offered as an incentive to sign up for the program.

The home owner then comes to an agreement with the contractor for the improvements they decide are appropriate for their home and budget. The program is monitored locally by the City of Traverse City, SEEDS and the Michigan Land Use Institute.

The affordably hassle free low/no interest loans are made available by the Michigan Saves Home Energy Loan Program.

Some reasons to take advantage of this program:

As a nation we have to find ways to use less energy and our homes are the low hanging fruit. Using less energy saves home owners money. Incentives and low/no interest loans stretch improvement dollars. Contractors are vetted by Michigan Saves and the work is subject to a third party quality control program. A successful pilot program will result in future similar efforts.

The specific details of the Traverse City Sweep are still being developed and will be made available soon in public announcements.

Past sweeps in other parts of the state consist of two stages:

• Base Package: An energy assessment and direct install items - small home-owner co-pay.
• Enhance Package: Blower door assisted air sealing, insulation, and other energy efficiency up grades, rebates and low interest financing available.

For additional information on the Better Buildings for Michigan- Traverse City Program contact Brian Beauchamp at the Michigan Land Use Institute (MLUI) 231-941-6584 ext. 19 or brian@MLUI.org.

Max Strickland has been involved in the construction industry for 44 years. He is currently a principal with Strickland-Ewing & Associates providing Building Performance Consulting, Green Building Program Verification, Energy Star/Hers Ratings, Infrared Imaging and Energy Auditing. Questions and comments can be directed to max@stricklandewing.com or you can visit his web site at www.negs2.com to view previous Green Building 101 articles.