Independence Township, Springfield Township, and the City of the Village of Clarkston teamed together to go after a federal grant to upgrade municipal buildings to be more energy efficient and save money.
Teaming up should increase their chances of approval, said Clarkston City Manager Dennis Ritter.
‘We were told if they put their grants together and submit it as one, they have a greater chance of success,? said Clarkston City Manager Dennis Ritter.
Supervisor Dave Wagner also liked the idea.
‘Any assistance we can give another municipality, is always great, that’s how we’ve worked over the past five years,? he said. ‘I think this is a very worthwhile project to look at, especially if we can get some grant dollars.?
If awarded the money, all governments will get a computerized simulated analysis of their buildings to show where they can better reduce energy consumption.
‘According the department of energy, there is a 30 percent opportunity on average in every facility to reduce energy consumption,? said Steve Salter of Energy Chek. ‘You cannot manage what you do not measure.?
Salter said they look at everything from ‘building envelope improvements? (windows, trim molding, doors, roofs) to lighting,
reduction in phantom power users, which consumes power even when turned off, running water as well as optimizing and enhancing automation systems and more.
‘If it takes energy to have something work or operate, we’ll check it out,? he said.
Ritter said he is optimistic about it.
‘I feel good about this one, I think we have been able to establish meaningful projects that are going to reduce the use energy and several different ways,? he said. ‘The end result of course is your operating expenses for utilities are expected to decrease to a much lower level.?