Consumers Energy, Green Building Council Sponsor Energy Contests
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ) -- Consumers Energy is encouraging businesses from the Indiana line to the Upper Peninsula to save energy by sponsoring the West Michigan Battle of the Buildings, a friendly competition that will run through the rest of this year.
"The Battle of the Buildings is a natural extension of Consumers Energy's work every day to help commercial businesses to reduce their energy usage," said Garrick Rochow, vice president of customer operations and quality for Consumers Energy. "This will save them money they can pass on to customers and put more Michigan residents to work. Already, this competition has drawn considerable interest, with businesses representing more than 8 million square feet of space pledging to compete."
The Battle of the Buildings is organized by the U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan and is also sponsored by Grand Rapids-based Hurst Mechanical.
Commercial buildings in 49 counties are eligible to compete, and registration will continue through March 31. The buildings that reduce energy use by the greatest percentage by year's end will be honored at an energy summit in 2015.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Green Building Council Detroit Regional Chapter is sponsoring its fourth annual My Green School Art Contest. It's an opportunity for students to use artwork to demonstrate how their school is or could become more green. The contest is open to any student in grades K-5including homeschooled children and charter schools.
The contest hopes to educate all who interact with Michigan schools including students, staff, and parents about sustainability and green ideas and initiatives. All entries are due March 31. Apply at www.usgbcdetroit.org.
Participation can count as credit toward Michigan Green Schools Certification. Also, visit the teacher designed website www.greenschoollunchbox.org for green school tips and free lesson plans.
Consumers Energy helps Michigan homes and businesses manage energy usage through a variety of energy efficiency programs. They can take advantage of more than 200 money-saving rebates, and they have saved more than $575 million since Consumers Energy's first energy efficiency programs started in 2009.
Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
More at www.ConsumersEnergy.com.