June 20, 2005
June 20, 2005
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has been recognized by the National Energy Efficiency Forum for her efforts to promote energy efficiency within state government.
“Michigan is proud to lead the nation in energy efficiency. Our commitment to protecting Michigan’s precious resources – both economic and environmental – is evident in our policies from cars to copiers,” Granholm said. “The reward is more than the millions of dollars saved or waste reduced, but a legacy of environmental sustainability.”
Granholm received the Forum’s Governor’s Award, honoring her efforts in promoting increased energy efficiency in state facilities and operations through Executive Directive 2005-4. The directive requires state government to reduce energy use 10 percent in all state-owned and operated buildings by 2008; and reduce state purchases of grid-based, power-line derived energy 20 percent by 2015. Completed audits of state-owned facilities show that the state can potentially save $4 million by becoming more energy efficient.
The state has already made changes in accordance with Granholm’s executive directive and is now using energy efficient light bulbs; requiring newly acquired electronics and appliances to be Energy Star compliant and certified; and adding hybrid cars to the state’s fleet.
Granholm continues to encourage efficient energy use by asking department directors to identify additional areas in which the state can encourage energy efficiency and clean technology initiatives.
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