douglas elbinger

Transformers: The Unsung Hero in Electrical Systems

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The Role of Low-Voltage Transformers in Your Building

As developers and building owners move forward with retrofit projects focused on energy efficiency, the role of low-voltage electrical transformers is attracting more attention as every link in the power distribution system comes under scrutiny for energy efficiency. Low-voltage transformers are the unsung hero in power systems. They work in the background, where they are responsible for power distribution to the entire building. We know from experience that transformers in older commercial buildings, those that are more than 20 years old, are nearing the end of their useful lives and are certain to be less efficient than modern transformers built after the new 2016 Department of Energy* requirements were instituted.

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The House Re-Imagined Unprecedented Energy Performance in a Modular Home

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Rendering of 800 square foot modulTWO home from startup from PassivDom that can be sited anywhere and is completely autonomous.

By Douglas Elbinger, Energy Systems Finance, Newman Consulting Group LLC

The oldest evidence associating the control of fire with Homo Sapiens is found at Israel’s Qesem Cave dating back 400,000 years. Since then, caves have evolved into pretty nice homes…but what hasn’t changed is that we are still burning fossil fuels or wood to cook and keep warm. This is about to change. Advancements in technology, design strategies, and market capacity have brought Zero Energy construction to the mainstream. 

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What’s all the Hype about Hemp?

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Doug Elbinger
By Douglas Elbinger, Energy Systems Finance, Newman Consulting Group LLC

Hemp is a natural fiber that can be used in concrete, insulation, furniture, and much more…

Hemp is not new. It has a recorded history going back over 4,000 years. You may remember hearing that George Washington grew the stuff on his plantation, which he and many others did because in pre-industrial America, it was a staple cash crop and had many uses like; cloth, sail, rope, netting, paper, and many more. The first drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper and until the 1890’s, most paper in the US was made from hemp. Hemp was a very common crop in the US, especially in tobacco growing states until its cultivation was outlawed in 1937, the same year that cannabis was banned. During WWII, hemp was deemed essential to the war effort and special licenses were granted to grow hemp, but by 1947, hemp was gone. Hemp farmers have been struggling ever since to draw a distinction between industrial hemp, which for all practical purpose, has no psychoactive qualities but many valuable commercial uses, and its close genetic cousin cannabis (aka marijuana) which is popular with recreational and medical users today.

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Michigan Takes the Lead in Clean Energy Initiatives 

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Utilities and Public Interest Groups Announce Breakthrough

Doug Elbinger
By Douglas Elbinger, Energy Systems Analyst, Newman Consulting Group

After being left behind in the dust by dozens of other states in respect to clean energy policy, Michigan has stepped up to a leadership position with a progressive new energy policy without the use of ballot proposals or legislative action.

 In a voluntary agreement with public interest groups, led by the Clean Energy, Healthy Michigan (CEHM) committee, Michigan’s two largest utilities jointly announced on May 18, 2018, that they are “targeting at least a 50 percent Clean Energy Goal by 2030“. The specifics of the initiative will be included in their upcoming Integrated Resource Plans, which the utilities are required to present to the Michigan Public Service Commission. The utilities say they will reach most of the goal through energy efficiency initiatives, but at least 25% of the result will come directly from renewable energy. More

Get Ready: Zero Net Energy Buildings Are Here

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IBEW Local 58 in Detroit Wins C&I Project of the Year Award

Doug Elbinger

 

 

By Douglas Elbinger, Energy Systems Analyst, Newman Consulting Group LLC

 

Who else but Local 58 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) could showcase the talent of their members with anything less than an award-winning breakthrough in sustainable energy design. They demonstrated that by using existing technology, a 52-year-old building can be repurposed (some call this a gut rehab) into the first commercial Zero Net Energy (ZNE) building in Michigan.More

Heroes of the Revolution, A Photographic Retrospective Showcased

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Doug Elbingerby Douglas Elbinger

Fourteen East 

MAY 1st – May 31st

15 East Kirby St. in the Park Shelton Building Detroit, MI 48202

(entrance on Woodward Ave. Parking on street or in ramp)

Opening reception Wednesday, May 2nd, 5:30 PM – 8 PM

Former Detroit Free Press photographer, Douglas Elbinger will have his first exhibit in Detroit in over thirty years. The photographic portraits on display at the Fourteen East during the month of May are a selection of images from his virtual gallery which you can view and share at this link Heroes of the Revolution.  Photographs include rare images of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and many Detroiters you will recognize.More

The National Association of Realtors® Say Clients Look for Sustainability

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As you may already know, The National Association of Realtors®, is America’s largest trade association, representing over 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industry. In February 2017, the NAR surveyed its members pertaining to sustainability issues facing their industry. Highlights from this report that are relevant to Michigan contractors and builders are summarizes as;

43% percent of respondents report their MLS have ‘green’ data fields.

71% said that energy efficiency promotion in listings was very or somewhat valuable.

56% of respondents find clients are at least somewhat interested in sustainability.More

Oakland County Beer Distributor Uses PACE For Groundbreaking Project

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newman-logoPowers Distributing, a beer distributor in Orion Township, Michigan, teamed up with Newman Consulting Group, Lean & Green Michigan, and Michigan Solar Solutions to complete Michigan’s first refinanced PACE project (Property Assessed Clean Energy). The groundbreaking project opens the door for additional energy efficiency financing in Orion Township and elsewhere. Project Highlights:

—First PACE project in Oakland County

—First ‘Refinance’ PACE project in Michigan

—First Beer Distributor in USA to finance energy efficiency with PACE

“Clean, renewable energy has evolved from being just a good idea to being proven business strategy,” said Gary Thompson, Powers’ chief operating officer. Thompson and Powers’ staff welcomed Orion Township officials and environmental professionals to their Orion Township headquarters on January 20, to celebrate the announcement. Guests learned about the company’s ongoing environmental efforts while gaining insight into how other businesses can use PACE financing. More

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