Governor Granholm Honors Earth Day by Ordering Michigan Government to be More Energy Efficient

April 22, 2005

Executive Directive will save taxpayers millions

LANSING – In recognition of Earth Day, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today that she has issued an executive directive that will make Michigan government more energy efficient and save taxpayers millions of dollars in energy costs.

Executive Directive No. 2005-4 directs the Department of Management and Budget (DMB) to reduce energy use in all state-owned and operated buildings 10 percent by December 31, 2008, and to reduce grid-based state energy purchases 20 percent by 2015.

“Michigan should lead the nation in energy efficiency and money management,” said Granholm.  “We can set an example for the private sector and other states by being fiscally responsible and environmentally conscious at the same time.”

The Governor’s directive requires immediate adoption of an array of energy conservation improvements in lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as mechanical improvements to cut energy costs.  The directive also:

• calls for changes in the state’s vehicle fleet and fuel choices to encourage use of biofuels;
• requires purchasing  of “green” goods and supplies where cost effective and directs that newly acquired electronic and appliances be Energy Star compliant and certified;
• requires that all new buildings for state agencies, universities, and community colleges be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.  This effort is designed to ensure that all new state facilities are energy efficient in operation and maintenance and are designed to have minimal impact on the environment.
• requires directors of the DMB, Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to make recommendations to the Governor identifying additional opportunities to promote energy efficiency and clean technology initiatives within state government and the private sector.

Under the Governor’s direction, DMB, with the help of DEQ and the State Energy Office, has already initiated and completed 38 energy audits in state-owned facilities that have identified over $4 million in potential energy savings, with the average annual savings per facility being over $100,000.

The Governor’s executive directive also creates an annual Governor's Energy Efficiency Award program to recognize energy efficiency efforts by state agencies.

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