Ann Arbor DDA energy audit a success with local businesses

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

Forty seven buildings applied to take advantage of the Downtown Energy Saving Grant Program last year. The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority expects to bring just as many if not more into the fold this year.

"It's a very popular program," says Susan Pollay, executive director of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority.

The energy audits have the potential to save downtown landlords and businesses thousands of dollars in energy costs. Most of the building stock in Ann Arbor's city center is about 100 or so years old, giving it the likeliness of being quite energy inefficient if it hasn't been updated.

Energy audits can play a critical role in identifying these inefficiencies, such as a lack of insulation, thin windows and old lighting. The DDA's hope is that eliminating these inefficiencies will help keep more money in the pockets of businesses and landlords, allowing them to invest it into their respective building or business.

The program allows structures that are 41,000 square feet or smaller take advantage of a free energy audit. The program will pay up to $5,000 of the cost of the energy audit for bigger buildings. The audits will outline a tailored list of recommended energy-saving measures and renewable energy opportunities for each structure.

"The audit will tell you here is what you can do to get the best return on your investment," Pollay says.

The second phase of the program will help these businesses and landlords handle some of the overhead costs of making the recommended improvements. The DDA will split up to $20,000 in costs of the improvements for the building. Last year 24 buildings representing 320,000 square feet of space made it to this step.

The DDA has been a leader in Michigan for years when it comes to sustainability. It has implemented a number of programs to shrink its carbon footprint, including subsidizing go!passes (free bus pass) for downtown employees. It also has been installing bike racks, establishing Zipcar fleets and installing LED street lights for years. It's also pushing for commuter rail and bus service and providing funds for solar panels on the Farmer's Market in Kerrytown.

For information on the Downtown Energy Saving Grant Program, click here. Applications are due by September 30.

Source: Susan Pollay, executive director of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Jon Zemke