Races, festivals and other events at Michigan International Speedway might be powered by greener energy in years to come.
Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis and Patti Poppe, vice president of customer experience, rates and regulation for Consumers Energy, announced plans to make the speedway more energy efficient during a press conference Sunday, Aug. 17.
“We’re totally committed to a greener Michigan, and with the help of Consumers Energy we know that we can show the way for our state and for racetracks across the country,” Curtis said.
Although the idea of a utility pushing for its customers to use less energy seems counterintuitive, Poppe said, it allows companies to divert money they save on energy costs to growing their businesses and benefits the state overall. For the speedway, Curtis said energy savings leave more funds to improve the fan experience.
“The health of Consumers Energy is inextricably linked to the health of businesses like MIS,” Poppe said.
According to Poppe, 10 percent of energy produced by Consumers Energy in Michigan by the end of this year will come from renewable sources. That puts the company ahead of schedule to meet Michigan’s renewable energy standard.
“I think moving away as much as you possibly can from carbon-based emissions is good, whether it’s leading to global warming or not,” Curtis said.
Curtis plans to add more solar panels on the property and look into the feasibility of wind power on the site. Speedway employees will also plant trees in cooperation with the utility.
NASCAR has done a good job of bringing green issues to the forefront, Curtis said. He hopes to continue the progress made by other entities in the sport.
“We want to continue to be a leader in that as well here at MIS because it’s Pure Michigan,” Curtis said. “You know, it’s not just the sponsor of the race, it’s a wonderful state and we want to keep it green.”
Source: Mlive.com