Michigan Saves seeks to recognize responsible energy production and consumption

When you have plans to renovate an old, energy-hog grocery store to expand your growing food co-op, most people wouldn't expect you to triple your square footage and reduce energy costs. But that's what happened for the Marquette Food Co-op.

It became an award-winning endeavor, with the co-op selected as one of only eight winners in the First-Annual Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards in 2015. Marquette Co-op won in the Best Commercial Project category.

Nominations for 2016 are open from now until May 20. The GEEA Steering Committee is again seeking to recognize individuals and organizations committed to responsible energy consumption and production.

“We’re recognizing innovative ideas of Michigan residents, students, farmers, public sector employees, non-profit organizations, small business owners and major corporations,” said committee chair Mary Templeton. “The awards are more than just a recognition program. They’re for sharing best practices and inspiration.”

Online nominating is open at mienergyexcellence.org. Deadline is May 20, 2016. The Second-Annual Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards winners will be announced at a celebration later this summer. Work must have been completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2015.

Nominations can be made in eight categories:

• Innovator of the Year – Recognizes innovation in Michigan’s energy-efficiency industry
• Best Communication, Education or Program – For communicating benefits of energy efficiency
• Contractor of the Year – Presented to an energy-efficiency contractor
• Best Projects: Residential – Presented to a homeowner
• Best Projects: Agriculture – Presented to an agricultural operation
• Best Projects: Industrial/Manufacturing – Presented to a manufacturing operation
• Best Projects: Commercial – Presented to owners or operators of commercial buildings
• Best Projects: Public – Presented to a public sector entity

Through conservation and efficiency, Michigan has emerged as a leader in innovative and effective energy practices, according to Michigan Saves, managing organization for the awards. The online process allows any resident or organization to share, and be recognized for pioneering, best practices.

A complete list of award rules and nomination criteria is available at mienergyexcellence.org.

“Energy efficiency doesn’t mean doing less; it means doing as much or more, but using less energy
to get it done. Energy efficiency is the best example of a no-regrets policy Michigan can have.”
Gov. Rick Snyder, Special Message on Energy, 2012.

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