Santa J. Ono, President, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Santa J. Ono, President, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
In Holland, Michigan, residents are saving on utility bills through a program called Home Energy 101. Offered at no cost, it provides materials and guidance for energy efficiency. The initiative, aimed at reducing energy consumption, collaborates with the city's utility and the University of Michigan. Community nonprofits also play a significant role in implementing energy-saving measures.
Scott and Jill VanderStoep, Hope College faculty members, are participants in the program. "There are lots of these little nooks and crannies, lots of places you can save energy," noted Scott VanderStoep. "If you add them up, they really make a difference."
The Home Energy 101 program, which began a few years ago, has saved participants over $10 monthly on average. The program's effectiveness is highlighted by increased participation in the city’s utility rebate program, supporting larger energy-efficient home upgrades.
Andrew Reynolds of the Holland Board of Public Works stated, "That’s my favorite stat. It’s what we would want them to do as customers."
Additionally, the program facilitates partnerships with nonprofits for energy assessments, with groups like Habitat for Humanity and Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) offering assistance. For Patricia Vera de Murillo, LAUP’s involvement was a crucial support. "I recommend this to people because they do help," she said.
The success of Holland's program is complemented by the Catalyst Leadership Circle (CLC), led by U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute. "With the CLC, our goal is to help build local government capacity," said Sarah Lee, clean energy engagement specialist.
U-M graduates Michele Appledorn and Ryan Yip contributed to the initiative by developing guidebooks and program documentation. Traverse City, following Holland’s model, introduces an "energy concierge" for a personalized energy savings journey.
Jacob Hardy of Traverse City Light & Power emphasized the value of collaboration. "The more of us that are able to do this, the more successful these programs will be."
Alerts Sign-up