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Community energy management
EGLE assists, educates, and encourages Michigan communities to advance conservation and efficient use of energy resources to improve environmental and public health as well as achieve greater energy security for future generations.
Communities have many factors to consider when working toward energy decarbonization, which can be broadly approached using community energy management: a sequential process that involves measuring a community's energy consumption, reducing any energy waste, and supplying all energy needs from renewable sources.
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Community Impacts of Renewable Energy
Once you reach the fourth step in the community energy management process, it is important to understand the opportunities and challenges that a renewable energy project may bring to your community to determine the best course of action.
Renewable Energy Planning and Zoning Guidance
Planning and zoning are tools that local governments can use to attract renewable energy projects that are in line with the community's vision for itself. Proactive action can increase success and decrease contention.Zoning for Renewable Energy Database
In a unique project, EGLE and University of Michigan's Graham Sustainability Institute have developed the Michigan Zoning Database, a searchable source of information of municipal ordinances.
Solar Resources
Guidance on incorporating renewable energy in to community plans and ordinances for solar energy.
Wind Resources
Guidance on incorporating renewable energy in to community plans and ordinances for wind energy.
Energy Management Best Practices
Benchmark and Track Energy Usage
Identify facility energy use and track it over time, both noting achievements and areas for improvement. Benchmarking allows municipalities to track their buildings energy use and compare them to similar buildings in the community and nationwide.
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Conduct an Energy Audit
An energy audit should be conducted to better understand how to improve a building's energy use. Energy audits are used to identify and recommend energy conservation measures to reduce the amount of energy input without negatively affecting performance.
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Improve Energy Efficiency
Reduce energy use intensity for public buildings. Energy efficiency improvements reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, while creating a more sustainable building stock in a community. An energy audit should be used to guide energy efficiency upgrades.
Resources:
- Energy Efficiency in Government Operations and Facilities
- Energy Star Products
- DTE Energy Rebates
- Consumers Energy Rebates
- Xcel Energy Rebates
- Additional Utility Rebates
Transition to Renewable Energy
Increase the use of renewable energy in municipal buildings and make renewable energy accessible to the community through strategic planning and regulations. Renewable energy solutions may include solar photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and geothermal.
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