“Reaching for Net Zero Commercial Buildings” — Less Than 2 Weeks Away!

MEECA is co-hosting an upcoming conference in Detroit focused on achieving deep energy savings and on-site renewable generation in commercial retrofits and new construction. The event will take place during 8:30-5:00 on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the Jam Handy, 2900 E. Grand Blvd.
Note: Click here to register. Space is still available and MEECA members receive a discount on registration. If you missed the email with the special code, contact David Gard at david@meeca.info or 517-896-2960.
The program will feature case studies of buildings from different economic sectors. Two of these are the IBEW Local 58 facility in Detroit and the Jam Handy, our host facility. Attendees will also learn about updates to the Consumers Energy Zero Net Energy Pilot Program and network with contractors and other building design and performance professionals.
MEECA’s co-hosts include the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GRLEA), Michigan Geothermal Energy Association (MGEA), Detroit 2030 District, and GreenHome Institute. A similar event was held in Grand Rapids in May which focused on the residential sector (click here to watch panel sessions from that event).
Just this week Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto of Pittsburgh introduced an ordinance to City Council that would require all new and renovated buildings on city-owned property to be net zero. As Pittsburgh has already led the way with LEED-certified buildings, it now shows that contractors everywhere should be paying attention to the growing trend of net zero design. We hope you can join us in Detroit on September 18th.
Recorded Webinar: SBAM Benefits Available to MEECA Members
Recently the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) hosted a webinar for MEECA members to learn more about the strategic partnership between our two organizations. Basically, all MEECA members now enjoy—at no additional cost or paperwork—full benefits of SBAM’s premium membership. These include SBAM-sponsored health insurance plans, discounts for FedEx shipping and Office Depot, free access to experts on risk management, HR compliance, and cybersecurity; and many other tools to strengthen and grow your business.
Contractor Toolkit: Communicating the Value of EE to Customers
MEECA Member Speaks to Realtors on the Value of Energy Efficiency
Recently the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors hosted a workshop on “Valuing Energy and Renewable Energy in Homes.” On hand was Amanda Godward, owner of MEECA member Ecotelligent Homes to explain how investments in saving energy add value to homes at time of sale. Realtors can certainly use this information to increase sales; so too can contractors.
Evidence Shows Improved Health Outcomes from EE Programs
Another arrow in the contractor’s marketing quiver is the fact that energy efficiency investments improve indoor air quality, which improves health outcomes. More information about this connection between saving energy and improving health is available from VEIC. In addition, contractors might find useful messaging material in teh U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Eight Tips for Keeping a Healthy Home.
Energy Efficiency in the News

Consumers Energy CEO Points to Efficiency as Key to the Company’s IRP
Consumers Energy CEO Patti Poppe is making a statewide tour to highlight the Michigan Public Service Commission’s approval of the company’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Poppe has stated that 90 percent of customers’ electricity capacity needs by 2040 will be met through energy efficiency, renewable energy, battery storage, and other clean energy measures. She also encourages all customers to take advantage of opportunities to save energy such as participating in the company’s EWR programs.
Detroit and Grand Rapids Point to Efficiency as Key to Climate Goals
Michigan’s two largest cities have made reducing carbon emissions a priority. And both make the case that energy efficiency must be part of the plan to achieve this outcome.
Public Policy Update:
Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) Announces Change to Residential Builder Licensing
The Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has announced that Residential Builders licensing will be added to the Accela platform on August 26, 2019. According to BCC, this move will make it easier and more efficient to obtain, renew, and modify licenses.
Residential Builders should register for their Accela Citizen Access (ACA) account now since accounts under the MyLicense registration will NOT be transferred. Setting up an account now will save questions and possible delays at renewal time. After August 26, 2019, Residential Builders should log in to their new ACA account and link their license to their account. Performing these two steps ahead of time will ensure the renewal process is fast and efficient.
For more information, click here, here, and here. If you have questions, contact the BCC customer support team by calling 517-241-9316 or sending an email to LARA-BCC-Service@michigan.gov.
ENERGY STAR Product and Residential Updates
This information was recently presented to the Michigan Public Service Commission’s EWR Collaborative.
Trump Administration Rolls Back EE Lightbulb Standards
The U.S. Department of Energy announced the move to withdraw standards that were to be put in place to make commonly used bulbs more efficient. The new standards were included in energy legislation implemented under President George W. Bush and finalized under the Obama administration. They were set to go into effect in January 2020 and gradually phase out incandescent and halogen bulbs used for items such as bathroom vanities, recessed lighting and candle-shape lights, to be replaced with energy-efficient, LED versions, which are illuminated by light-emitting diodes.
Gov. Whitmer and Agencies Kick Off Sustainability Efforts
The Whitmer administration has announced new efforts to lead by example on environmental sustainability across state government. “I have directed Departments to implement more sustainable practices in state buildings and reduce energy usage where possible,” said Whitmer.
New Members

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