Energy Works Michigan
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| Founded | 2009 Ann Arbor, MI, United States |
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| Type | 501(c)3 |
| Location |
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Key people | Emile Lauzzana, Director |
| Website | energyworksmichigan.org [1] |
Energy Works Michigan (Energy Works) was a non-profit affiliate of the Ecology Center based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Energy Works employs seven staff members.
Energy Works was funded by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) [2] to administer the Michigan Renewable Schools Program (MRSP)[3], implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy measures at public, private and charter K-12 schools throughout the State of Michigan. Energy Works provides K-12 schools in Michigan with technical assistance and incentive funding.
Energy Works has partnered with 67 K-12 schools and districts throughout the State of Michigan. Energy Works will partner with approximately 90 additional Michigan K-12 schools beginning in September 2011.
Mission Statement
Energy Works Michigan is a non-profit technical resource building foundational capacities for a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future in Michigan.
Vision Statement
Energy Works will create a new future for the State of Michigan, where every student from preschool through the 12th grade in all 5,000 public schools, charter academies, and private schools will learn and develop the skills necessary to make responsible decisions for the rest of their lives. Through innovative educational programs and installations at school facilities of proven energy efficiency technologies and practical renewable energy systems, Energy Works will lead schools to a sustainable, net-zero energy, and carbon neutral future.
Values
Energy Works dedicates itself to an energy-intelligent work environment with a just, equitable and collaborative organization that supports each of its staff members in her/his commitment to excellence by:
- Implementing exemplary energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in public, charter and private schools, that are carried out with respect for the natural environment and through sustainable economic practices;
- Encouraging mastery in learning about responsible Energy Use & Management by each of the estimated 2,000,000 K-12 school students and 120,000 teachers in Michigan, regardless of race, creed or economic status.
Michigan Renewable Schools Program
Energy Works administers the Michigan Renewable Schools Program [4], a 5-year $8M program funded by the MPSC [5]. Energy Works provides public, private and charter K-12 schools in Michigan with technical assistance and incentive funding to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
Energy Works has partnered with 67 K-12 schools and districts throughout the State of Michigan. Energy Works will partner with approximately 90 additional Michigan K-12 schools beginning in September 2011. The program has received considerable interest from K-12 schools statewide.
The Michigan Renewable Schools Program [6] is a coordinated set of programs, including:
- Energy Efficiency Program: to implement energy efficiency building upgrades
- Renewable Energy Program: to install renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV) and/or wind
- Educational Resources: to provide teachers with training and resources to make energy efficiency and renewable energy an integral part of their classrooms and school community
- Post-Secondary Program: to inspire high school students to pursue continuing education and career pathways in energy efficiency and renewable energy at a Michigan college or university
- Student Contests & Teacher Grants: to engage teachers and students in green initiatives that explore the challenges and opportunities of building a sustainable future
History
On November 19, 2010, the Michigan State Administrative Board approved the Michigan Energy Efficiency Grant in the amount of $4.4 million awarded to Energy Works by the MPSC [7]. The MPSC is an agency within the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth. The award is funding Energy Works to administer and expand the Michigan Renewable Schools Program [8]. The term of the grant is January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The availability of this funding will allow Energy Works to partner with approximately 90 additional Michigan K-12 schools in Michigan beginning in September 2011.
On April 22, 2009, the MPSC [9] issued an order approving $5.5 million in Michigan energy efficiency grants for all customer classes to three organizations, including Energy Works Michigan, Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Schools, and Great Lakes Energy Service.
On April 22, 2009, the Michigan State Administrative Board approved the Michigan Energy Efficiency Grant in the amount of $3.5 million awarded to Energy Works, in partnership with Recycle Ann Arbor [10] and the Ecology Center, by the MPSC [11]. The award funded Energy Works to administer the Michigan Renewable Schools Program [12], a 2-year pilot program through May 31, 2011. During the pilot phase of the program, Energy Works partnered with 67 K-12 schools and districts statewide.
The grants are part of the Low-Income and Energy Efficiency Fund (LIEEF) [13], which provides energy bill assistance for low-income customers and promotes the efficient use of energy by all customer classes.