Ann Arbor has some aggressive energy conservation goals. The Green Energy Challenge calls for Ann Arbor to use 30 percent green energy by 2010 for municipal operations and by 2015 for the whole city.  The Energy Office’s web site offers an update of how we are doing and actions that individuals can do to reduce energy consumption and help the environment.  Andrew Brix of the Energy Office has done a great job of developing programs that are focused on both renewable energy deployment as well as energy conservation.

Beyond municipal programs, it will be difficult to reach these goals without broader outreach efforts to individuals and family households, including information and energy efficiency tips that are easy and effective.  I recently read an article about one families efforts to take action in their own home.  The Troast Family journaled their efforts to identify all the gadgets in their home that were hidden consumers of significant electricity.

Here in Ann Arbor, we are fortunate to have access to many community events that educate and engage us to take action whether we are building new homes, remodeling or just taking smaller actions to reduce our electricity bills.  I recently attended a free event by Doug Selby from Meadowlark Builders and Michael Klement called Behind the drywall.  This event really explains a lot of building science in layman’s terms for those gathering ideas for new construction, renovation or remodeling … be sure to watch the video, comments welcome.

On a more modest basis, my family recently engaged in a debate about whether the extra refrigerator was needed in the garage.  We use it mostly only when we entertain and need the additional cold storage space for drinks, desserts, etc.  We purchased a Kill-a-Watt device.  You can buy these items and other handy energy efficiency tools, along with helpful advice, at the Clean Energy Coalition’s Energy Outlet in Ypsilanti. In this case, we learned that the extra refrigerator will cost us about $60/year for this convenience.  We have not thrown the refrigerator out yet, but it has us talking about everyday habits, including how we entertain, and the related impact on our monthly utility bill. Submitted by:

Scott Phillips, President   shphillips123@yahoo.com

Meadowlark Energy Efficiency 330 E. Liberty, Lower Level

Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734.787.7509 – Mobile 734.623.8289 – Fax

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Kathy Toth & Team: Ann Arbor Area Real Estate Experts

www.KathyToth.com

Keller Williams Realty

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