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GLREA
PROMOTES ENERGY STAR
Thanks
to support from the Small Business Association of Michigan,
GLREA is partnering with ENERGY STAR, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's voluntary program that offers businesses
and consumers energy efficient solutions to help save money
while protecting the environment for future generations.
GLREA
is featuring energy efficiency at its 1897 headquarters
and educating the public about the importance of using ENERGY
STAR products in conjunction with renewable energy systems.
Starting this fall, GLREA will maintain a library of ENERGY
STAR publications for distribution to members, volunteers
and other interested parties.
You
are probably aware that one of the most important steps
in making renewable energy effective is the proper application
of energy efficient products. Advances in technology have
made being energy efficient simpler by offering consumers
the ability to do more with less (energy). The ENERGY STAR
label makes it easy to identify efficient products (appliances,
office equipment, heating and cooling systems) as well as
new homes and commercial buildings and schools.
What
about the cost? It's true that some ENERGY STAR labeled
products cost more. This is often the case with appliances
and large heating and cooling equipment. However, it is
important to realize these products have 2 price tags -
the initial price (what you pay at the cash register) and
the second price - the energy bill that must be paid year
in and year out. Products that have earned the symbol can
save substantially on the second price tag. In fact, most
Energy Star products pay for themselves in 5 years or less.
Not
all ENERGY STAR products cost more than other less efficient
products. Computers, other office equipment, and home electronics
do not carry any additional cost for their increased energy
efficiency.
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ENERGY
STAR at Home:
Put
your home to the test. Find out where your home
has room for improvement with ENERGY STAR'S Home Improvement
Toolbox available at www.energystar.gov.
Change
a Light. Replace your five most frequently used
light bulbs with products that are ENERGY STAR rated.
Heating
and Cooling Smartly. Have your system checked
annually and install an ENERGY STAR labeled programmable
thermostat so you are not paying to heat or cool your
house when you are not at home.
Seal
it up. Keep the warm air in and the big energy
bills out of your house by following ENERGY STAR Home
Sealing recommendations for adding insulation to your
home and weather-stripping and caulking around doors
and windows.
Look
for the Energy Star. When you are in the market
for home electronics, major appliances, office equipment,
heating and cooling systems, windows or even a new
home, choose one that has earned the ENERGY STAR.
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Businesses
can also use ENERGY STAR to improve efficiency, enhance
profits and create a competitive advantage. Last year alone,
ENERGY STAR helped businesses and consumers save more than
$5 billion in energy costs while reducing global warming
emissions equivalent to those from 10 million cars. And
if just one company uses the power management features already
on 1,000 of its computer monitors, the change would shift
more than $15,000 in operating costs right to the bottom
line
For
more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov
or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
GLREA
business members that would like information and literature
on Energy Star to share with their customers are encouraged
to contact Aileen at 800-434-9788.
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Top
Great
Lakes Renewable Energy Association
URL: www.glrea.org
Email: info@glrea.org
Lansing:
(517) 646.6269
Toll Free:
1.800.434.9788
History,
Mission and Goals
Join GLREA
Go to our membership
area and find out how you can join GLREA!
Contact GLREA
Feel free to contact
us if you have any additional questions or comments.
Contact the GLREA
Board
Contact information
for the Board Members.
GLREA
is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and contributions
may be tax deductable.
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