by Doug Russell of Michigan Green, and Gary Zaplitny of MTI Lighting Specialists

Michigan GREEN (Group for a Renewable Energy Efficient Nation), a non-profit energy organization, recently completed an energy audit for Pinckney Community Public Library (PCPL) through a grant from the state energy office. This energy audit, which included a utility bill analysis of electric and natural gas consumption, identified opportunities for energy conservation. Based on the audit, Michigan GREEN recommended that the Pinckney Library move forward with an energy efficiency upgrade.

MTI Energy, a Michigan GREEN member from Brighton, identified several specific lighting changes that will improve lighting quality while using less energy. MTI saw that the library had T-12 lamps that have been out of production since March 1, 2009 and had incandescent lamps in the down lights that were inefficient. There were a couple of areas within the library that do not have adequate lighting for the task at hand.  MTI recommended that new fixtures be added to these areas to increase light levels and improve visual clarity. Occupancy sensors will be added to the restrooms to get additional savings as well as exterior lighting changes to save energy and get longer life.

In March 2009, the library board approved the project, which will pay for itself through energy savings in less than four years. Michigan GREEN's grant program, Rebuild Michigan Livingston County, provides free energy audits for Livingston County businesses and organizations.

The new lighting at PCPL will be installed during the summer of 2009. So be sure to drop by the library and be enlightened.

Article from PCPL CONTEMPLATIONS, Summer 2009, Vol.7
Picnkney Community Public Library
350 Mower Rd.
Pinckney, MI  48169
Phone: 734.878.3888
Fax: 734.878.2907