Growing concern over the environmental impacts of energy consumption have prompted many communities to seek a better understanding of their energy usage and identify opportunities for greater efficiency. This was the case in the Mid-Michigan region, where with partners we conducted a comprehensive study to assess energy usage in the built environment of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties.
The Mid-Michigan Energy Study aimed to provide decision-makers and stakeholders with a detailed portrait of energy usage in the region, with a focus on a 20-mile transportation corridor between downtown Lansing and the village of Webberville. The study analyzed energy consumption in buildings across the three counties, with particular attention given to electricity and natural gas usage.
Using data gathered from the 2012 baseline year, the study identified annual energy consumption patterns and projections, which were used to develop recommendations for improving energy efficiency. Among the findings, the study concluded that there was significant potential for reducing energy usage in buildings throughout the region, with a focus on improved building insulation, the use of efficient heating and cooling systems, and the implementation of energy-saving technologies.
The study’s recommendations provide a roadmap for reducing the region’s carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable future. By implementing the recommended strategies, decision-makers and stakeholders in the Mid-Michigan region can take important steps towards reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency. Ultimately, the study highlights the importance of community-based efforts to address the issue of energy consumption and the role that data-driven analysis can play in developing effective solutions.
