MEEA in the News

Environmental Groups Want Construction Codes To Lower Emissions, As Well As Utility Bills

Environmentalists advertise that the average Michigan household could save $327 annually on utility bills if the state accepts the latest set of construction energy guidelines, which focus heavily on dropping greenhouse gas emissions. 

The last time Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes modified the state's go-to standards for residential and commercial construction energy codes was in 2015. 

Realtors can be ambassadors for energy efficiency: The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance is training them to talk about home energy performance

A growing number of buyers are looking for energy-efficient homes that will be cheaper to heat and cool. But realtors are often unprepared to answer questions about a home’s energy performance.

“Some surveys that were done identified that real estate professionals were saying they were being asked … but that they often didn’t feel comfortable answering those questions or weren’t familiar with that,” says Kathryn Eggers of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

MEEA ED Stacey Paradis featured in Loyola University Alumni Spotlight

Check out Loyola University Chicago's Office of Sustainability newsletter and scroll down the the Alumni Spotlight to read an interview with MEEA Executive Director Stacey Paradis. Stacey addresses how Loyola helped prepare her for her career, the role MEEA and energy efficiency play in solving the climate crisis and her advice for students applying for programs and embarking on their own careers.

View the Q&A >

What’s in it for you? Illinois’ sweeping new clean energy law includes a $4,000 rebate on an electric car, up to 10% off on your electric bill and up to $9,000 back on a solar roof.

Illinois’ massive new clean energy bill, signed into law last this month, is a landmark in the state’s battle against climate change: a systematic plan for boosting solar and wind power, getting a million electric cars on the road and phasing out coal and natural gas by 2050.

It’s also an opportunity for consumers to save some cash, analysts say.