December 12, 2007 - Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) Director Keith W. Cooley announced today that the Delta Institute was awarded a $23,142 grant to launch a Rebuild Michigan program in the GrandWalk Sustainable Community which encompasses a section of land between the Cities of Grand Rapids and Walker.

"Delta Institute is providing a great service by launching this program to reduce energy use in the GrandWalk community," said Cooley. "This project will result in a comprehensive energy use strategy for that project, and will demonstrate what can be accomplished at the local level through private-public partnerships."

Rebuild Michigan is designed to promote energy efficiency in communities. As part of this project, Delta Institute will develop a 2-5 year action plan and organize a coalition that will work toward fulfilling community energy goals. Delta will initially focus their efforts on energy efficiency opportunities in participating public, commercial, and multi-family buildings and will encourage the installation of improvements that will yield the highest energy and cost savings. They will also provide community outreach that builds understanding, acceptance, and excitement for energy efficiency technology and renewable energy.

"The Rebuild Michigan energy assessments give companies a unique look at their operations and facilities with little or no upfront costs," said Cooley. "These assessments will highlight inefficient areas and processes within a facility and identify hundreds, if not thousands of dollars of potential savings through energy efficiency."

The Delta Institute is a nonprofit organization formed in 1998 to develop and test fresh ideas for bringing about sustainable communities. Through collaboration, financing and training, Delta Institute help blighted communities recycle industrial property to prevent pollution, conserve energy and create jobs.

This grant is administered by the DLEG Energy Office, which promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy to Michigan residents, businesses and public institutions. The Rebuild Michigan program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. www.michigan.gov/energyoffice.

For additional information, please contact Todd Parker, Delta Institute at (517)482-8810 or Tim Shireman, Michigan Energy Office at (517)241-6281 or shiremant@michigan.gov.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.