Jul 17 2010
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA) Lansing office building has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. Commercial buildings and industrial plants that rate in the top 25 percent of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency may qualify for the ENERGY STAR.
"MSHDA is pleased to accept EPA's ENERGY STAR in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts," said Gary Heidel, MSHDA's interim executive director. "Through this achievement, we have demonstrated our commitment to environmental stewardship while also lowering our energy costs."
The MSHDA building was the former site of the Michigan State Library, reconstructed in 2000 with MSHDA staff taking occupancy in the fall of 2001. The facility is classified as a smart building with the latest communication and HVAC control systems installed at the time of renovation. The building's HVAC has 130 Heat/Air pumps which are computer controlled by a Novar temperature control system.
Commercial buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
"Whether you are running a grocery store, a school, or an office building, getting the most out of your energy dollars – while reducing your carbon footprint – just makes sense," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
EPA's national energy performance rating system provides a 1-100 scale that helps organizations assess how efficiently their building uses energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. The MSHDA building was rated an 81. A building that scores a rating of 75 or higher is eligible for the ENERGY STAR. Commercial Buildings that can earn the ENERGY STAR include offices, bank branches, financial centers, retailers, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, and warehouses.
Source: http://www.michigan.gov/mshda