October 5, 2005
Center showcases alternative energy sources
NMC Michigan Energy Demonstration Center open house showcases solar panel, windmill and biodiesel fuel technology
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
From windmills to solar panels, from continuous hot water heaters to geo-thermal heating, the new Michigan Energy Demonstration Center showcases alternative energy technology that can reduce consumption and save money.
About 50 people came to the new facility Saturday morning for the grand opening, held at the M-TEC campus of Northwestern Michigan College. The center features a partial home built in the bay of the Construction Technology program, demonstrating the myriad ways that commercial and residential construction can go green.
"This is the culmination of a great effort of community members, the local construction industry and businesses," said Bill Queen, a program coordinator in the college's Extended Education Program and a passionate advocate of renewable energy and green building.
In addition to showcasing the center, the grand opening also featured seminars on topics such as energy and the local economy, solar power in the region, biodiesel fuel and Energy Star ratings for homes. Attendees could also watch the University of Michigan football team upset Michigan State University team (and fans) courtesy of the sun: solar panels fueled the large-screen television.
Demonstrations and exhibits included hydrogen fueled cars, energy efficiency testing methods, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, geothermal technology, and the college's Green Building Mobile Education Trailer.
"One of the most important things about this project is that it is a partnership," said Tim Nelson, president of the college, about the Energy Demonstration Center. "Our major goal as an institution is to maintain our relevance to the region, state and country."
Queen and other members of the Green Built Grand Traverse team worked since 2000 to promote alternative energies and energy-efficient building techniques and lifestyles. The team included members of the building trades, contractors, educators and renewable energy enthusiasts.
"A while back I met with this team and I saw what they were putting together in terms of partnerships," said Pat Hudson of the Michigan Energy Office. "We're happy to see this at the state office, very happy to see this kind of interest at Northwestern Michigan College."
Sally Bornschein, outgoing president of the Home Builder's Association of the Grand Traverse Area, presented certificates of appreciation to members of the Green Built Grand Traverse team.
"This is where the rubber hits the road, about teaching and helping us implement the new technology in our homes and businesses," she said of the Energy Demonstration Center.
Meeting for years, the Green Built Grand Traverse found a home at Northwestern Michigan College. One of only eight centers in the state, grants received this year fueled the demonstration center.
A January grant of $25,000 from the state started the ball officially rolling. Goals of that grant included educating the construction industry about green building and teaching the general public about bringing both renewable energy and energy efficiency into homes and commercial buildings.
Grants ultimately totaling $80,000 from Traverse City Light & Power this summer funded solar panels that can generate 10 kilowatts of energy. These demonstration panels will be used both for training students and as a power source for the M-TEC facility.
The recent $450,000 grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission allowed Northwestern Michigan College to establish the Energy Demonstration Center. The grant will train students in the Construction Technology Program to install and service solar, wind, biodiesel and geothermal technologies as well as the basics of green building in general.
"Innovation is what has kept our country strong and moving forward," said Elaine Wood, the longest-serving member of the NMC board of trustees. "At NMC, we have an opportunity to help our local businesses expand into this new technology - this is what your college is all about."