by jboullion | Jun 26, 2009 | Uncategorized
From an article in The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
Concordia University Wisconsin announced Wednesday that it plans to break ground in July for its new Center for Environmental Stewardship.
Construction of the 13,000 square-foot, two-story building is set to begin July 14. The structure will be built in Mequon on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan and work is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2010 academic year.
The total cost of the building is expected to be between $3.5 million and $3.75 million and is being funded exclusively through charitable gifts already secured for the project.
Concordia officials said the building demonstrates the university’s commitment to environmental education, freshwater conservation and emphasis on sustainable energy resources. Plans for the center include laboratories, classrooms and a large seminar room that can accommodate 200 people for presentations.
With its lakefront exposure, Concordia officials say the building will be a center for the study of the Great Lakes and other environmental issues. The building will be designed to be a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold-level building.
“When completed, the center will offer many educational programs and research in water stewardship and other sustainability education topics for Concordia students as well as visiting area schools and the greater community,” said Bruce Bessert, director of the Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship program.
Concordia has added new degrees because of the new center, and now offers a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and education with a minor in environmental studies, and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on environmental education.
by jboullion | Jun 26, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a news release issued by Focus on Energy:
Focus on Energy honored Craig Tarr of Hudson-based Energy Concepts with the 2009 Market Provider of the Year Award. The award was presented at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s (MREA) 20th annual Energy Fair on June 21, 2009 in Custer, Wis.
The Market Provider of the Year Award was conceived as a way to recognize renewable energy contractors who exemplify the goals and expectations of the Focus on Energy Program. The award provides the opportunity to honor one such contractor each year for their commitment and dedication to excellent customer service and quality renewable energy systems installation. Contractors who receive this award are exceptional in their passion, intelligence and dedication when it comes to providing renewable energy services.
“Craig’s 20 years of experience in the engineering industry has contributed greatly to his highly successful growth in the renewable energy industry,” said Emily Hickey, market provider program coordinator. “Wisconsin truly benefits from having well qualified businesses like Energy Concepts grow our renewable energy markets.”
The renewable energy division of Energy Concepts was launched in 2006, and in just two short years the company transitioned from a sole proprietorship to an engineering and full-service renewable energy company with six full-time employees. This success is due largely to Tarr’s ability to establish and maintain a strong reputation for professionalism and high quality, and his ability to tackle and accomplish solar and wind systems of any size. And his mechanical engineering background, as well as LEED perspective, allow him to step outside the box and rise to challenges. In 2005, Tarr was accepted into The Climate Project, Al Gore’s initial training program for 1,000 citizens from around the United States. In addition, Tarr has taken an aggressive approach to establishing Energy Concepts as a renewable energy leader through outreach and participation in industry events, and has proven to be a great Focus on Energy partner.
by jboullion | Jun 26, 2009 | Uncategorized
From Habitat for Humanity of Grant County:
Feb. 2009 Heating Bill-$66.00!
Learn About Energy Saving Options & Programs Available to the public which made a $66.00 heating bill possible [for a Habitat for Humanity home in Benton, WI].
Location: Work Site, 177 White Street, Benton WI
Date: Saturday, June 27th
Time: 9am—3 Sessions, attend one or more
Program
Welcome and Introductions—9:00-9:30am
• President of Habitat for Humanity
• Senator Dale Schultz
• Partner Families
• Presenters
Session I—9:30-10:00 Building for Efficiency, Gary Kramer Using Insulated Concrete Forms, In- floor Heating Systems, and Structural Home Options
Session II—10:00-10:30 Solar Hot Water Heating Systems—Todd Timmerman of Timmerman’s Talents and Habitat for Humanity
Break 10:30-11:00 – Cookies & Conversation
Session III— 11:00-11:45 Home Energy Audits and Blower Door Testing—Mark Henning, 7th Power Solutions
Co-sponsors
Focus on Energy SW Community Action Program
USDA Workforce Development
Habitat for Humanity Contact Information
Phone: 608-348-9119
Mailing Address: PO Box 617 Platteville, WI 53818
Office: 135 S Hickory Street Platteville
Email: grantcountyhabitat@yahoo.com
Web Site: www.grantcountyhabitat.com
by jboullion | Jun 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a presentation by RENEW’s Michael Vickerman (above) at the Energy Fair of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association:
Energy Policy Must Recognize Energy Realities
+ Supplies of liquid fuels peaked in 2008
+ Capital is disappearing before our very eyes
+ Energy and food are the original currencies
+ The shift from stores to flows is inevitable
+ Current economy is highly energy-intensive
+ Energy return on energy invested (EROEI) must inform decision-making
+ We can’t afford to prop up existing energy sinks or engage in wealth-draining military adventures
Three paths to choose
+ Business as usual
+ Clean green technology
+ Curtailment and community
by jboullion | Jun 24, 2009 | Uncategorized
From a presentation by RENEW’s Michael Vickerman (above) at the Energy Fair of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association:
Energy Policy Must Recognize Energy Realities
+ Supplies of liquid fuels peaked in 2008
+ Capital is disappearing before our very eyes
+ Energy and food are the original currencies
+ The shift from stores to flows is inevitable
+ Current economy is highly energy-intensive
+ Energy return on energy invested (EROEI) must inform decision-making
+ We can’t afford to prop up existing energy sinks or engage in wealth-draining military adventures
Three paths to choose
+ Business as usual
+ Clean green technology
+ Curtailment and community
