Snyder wants Energy Star rating for 8 facilities

LANSING – Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration is seeking Energy Star certifications from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for eight state facilities, or about 20 percent of state buildings.

Energy Star certifications are given to buildings that meet certain qualifications for energy efficiency. Snyder said in a statement Wednesday the eight facilities are meeting the EPA benchmark for being more efficient than 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide.

The facilities include the Lewis Cass Building, 320 S. Walnut St., the Lottery Building, 101 E. Hillsdale St., and Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St., in Lansing and the Operations Center, 7285 Parsons Dr. at the State Secondary Complex in Dimondale, plus facilities in Saginaw, Jackson, Flint and Traverse City. The state Department of Technology, Management & Budget began the independent review process in March and hopes for official certification by year’s end.

Last month, Snyder said he hoped as much as 40% of Michigan’s energy could come from waste reduction and renewable energy by 2025, and DTMB Director David Behen was quoted in Wednesday’s statement saying, “It is important for government to lead by example, and that is what we are doing in Michigan.”