The Latest News & PR about BSA
Update: ReEnergize Michigan Joins Contractors to Tout Energy Efficiency
On Monday, March 28, MLCV's Campaigns/Communications Director, Bill Kirk, joined representatives from the Building Science Academy and the Michigan Environmental Council at a retrofit project to talk about the benefits of energy efficiency.
Inside of an old Lansing house that is currently being retrofitted for optimal energy efficiency, Bill was joined by Sam Flannery of the Building Science Academy (BSA) and David Gard of the Michigan Environmental Council to talk to members of the Lansing media about the benefits of energy efficiency.
Mr. Flannery talked about the work BSA is doing to train builders and contractors for energy efficiency projects, highlighting the fact that this simple retraining is a great way to get hundreds of tradesmen back to work, while saving homeowners large amounts of money on their electric and heating costs.
While many may think the key to an efficient home is a new furnace or new windows, simple measures like insulation and proper door and window sealing can go a long way to cut down on energy use. In addition, these practices are far cheaper than a furnace or windows. Mr. Flannery also pointed out that their are a lack of training standards, certifications, and sufficient standardized energy efficiency practices in the current market, which is why he and BSA are proactively working to train contractors and builders, regardless of the lack of direction from state and federal government.
Mr. Gard and Kirk highlighted the new report from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) that examines the job creation opportunities and economic benefits of increasing Michigan's Energy Efficiency Standard. The current standard requires major utilities in Michigan to create a 1% annual reduction in electricity demand starting in the year 2012, and every year thereafter, by promoting energy efficiency practices. The ReEnergize Michigan campaign is advocating for legislation to increase that standard to 2%. Energy efficiency is the most effective and economical way to promote clean energy.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to take action and help Michigan lead the clean energy economy.
Twenty-one schools receive Fluke weatherization test instruments through Fluke Grant Program
EVERETT, Wash. – Twenty-one educational institutions in Canada and the U.S. will receive advanced infrared imaging cameras worth a total of more than $100,000 from Fluke Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of handheld test and measurement equipment, through the Fluke Education Grant Program.
Each winning school will receive one Fluke Thermal Imager kit including software, two rechargeable batteries, charger, operation manual and USB adapter. These Fluke imagers are designed for inspecting building envelopes to spot leaks and find places where energy is being lost. For more on Fluke thermal imagers and other test tools for weatherization, home and commercial energy audits and building inspections, visit the Fluke Weatherization website. Read More...
We wanted to share a release from The Workforce Alliance (TWA) and Skills2Compete Campaigns. There is finally some acknowledgement that Michigan will have shortage of “green” jobs, including energy auditing. Hopefully this means the State of Michigan will continue to define job categories so Michigan workers can obtain funding for training to fill these new positions. Read More...
There is a growing national effort through state public service commission’s that require utility companies to have energy efficiency programs. Being located in Michigan, these newly formed programs already include the major utilities in their home state with public utilities such as DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, and some of the co-op and other utilities that have a smaller footprint. Rebates will be offered by all utility companies as part of their Michigan Public Service Commission-mandated energy optimization program. Read More...
A new training school, Building Science Academy, is launching classes for BPI (Building Performance Institute) Building Analyst training in May. The classes will provide training for energy auditors, energy raters and contractors in preparation for the BPI Building Analyst examination. Building Science Academy’s BPI- recognized programs will serve municipalities, utilities and building contractors by providing a simple and seamless solution to compliance with changing regulatory standards. Read More...