William Kaiser, Water Resource Recovery Facility Superintendent, accepting the Biggest Loser award. /Michigan Battle of the Buildings
Combined energy savings from all Biggest Loser competitors. /Michigan Battle of the Buildings
The Grand Rapids Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a runner-up in Michigan’s “Battle of the Buildings Biggest Loser” contest. The awards recognize honorees for energy savings that reduce one's carbon footprint. The ESD’s achievement also saved taxpayer money through efficient energy usage.
According to Mike Lunn, environmental services manager, Grand Rapids is a nationally-recognized leader in advancing sustainable business practices.
"The City’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), demonstrated its continued investment in energy conservation. This second place award honors Grand Rapids for reducing energy use by almost 10 percent at the WRRF," he said.
Lunn said that several projects at the recovery facility contributed to the energy reduction. The largest project included the $1 million implementation of high-efficiency aeration blowers in the wastewater treatment process. Funded by the State of Michigan’s Clean Water Revolving Fund, this energy optimization strategy saves customers approximately $250,000 per year – meaning the system will pay for itself within four years.
The Environmental Services Department enhances the quality of life for the Citizens of the Greater Grand Rapids area by providing significant leadership and exemplary service dedicated to protecting the environment and public health and welfare.
The Michigan Battle of the Buildings Program is an awards and recognition program for energy use reduction open to all Michigan area commercial & industrial buildings. The program encourages energy-efficient practices in buildings across the state. It instills a spirit of friendly competition among the area’s building owners and operators.
Muskegon County’s Louis A. McMurray Conference & Transportation Center took first place in the Public Buildings category.
Businesses participating in the 2016 contest comprised 64.5 million square feet of total combined building space, more than doubling the 28.5 million square feet of Michigan businesses’ real estate represented in the 2015 event.
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