Michigan GREEN - Saving energy

This article is on a couple of equipment leasing blogs, starting Monday.  I thought I'd share it with this group, as timely info on Michigan renewable energy.  If anyone would like to join Michigan GREEN, and become a part of this effort, go to www.michigangreen.org

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In today's environment, it is a time for governments, schools, businesses and individuals to go GREEN. Whether global warming reports are exaggerated or understated, energy conservation and energy optimization are important aspects of daily life in 2008.

There are many tools available to affect improvement in providing alternative energy and energy savings. Heating and air-conditioning processes have improved significantly to run more efficiently and more economically. Lighting processes have allowed users to produce enhanced output while utilizing reduced power. Insulation and building processes have reduced energy needs. It has never been easier to utilize energy saving techniques; it has never been easier to take steps to be kind to the environment.

Organizations like Michigan GREEN (www.michigangreen.org) promote energy conservation and energy savings. Michigan GREEN members work together to educate consumers on what can be done to save energy and because of their mutual interest in sustainable, renewable energy alternatives they promote and help create a clean environment. They produce products and supply services that can affect change in our lives, and change in our futures.

These progressive, energy-conscious companies and individuals can assist businesses, municipalities, schools, and consumers by providing services and products that save energy and save money. And, in order to help them afford the economic costs of energy conservation, equipment leasing companies, like Midwest Leasing Group, in Livonia, MI, offer cost justification to the customers for these products.

Curt MacRae, who owns Midwest Leasing Group, noted that his, and similarly structured companies, can often work in a tandem with groups like Michigan GREEN to provide funding for projects that can allow immediate energy conservation, rather than the typical delays that often come with associated costs.

Organizations like Michigan GREEN can sometimes provide grant money, which can be combined with equipment lease financing to supply a complete financial solution to energy savings methods. However, even without grant funds, equipment leasing companies, like Midwest Leasing Group, can often structure financing that allows the customer to acquire energy savings that can often exceed the cost of the financing.

Often, with the new energy technology available, Midwest Leasing Group can arrange funding that is less expensive to secure than the payback provided by the energy savings that can be gained with new products. In other words, a company may earn a $3,000 / month energy savings for $2,000 / month in financing costs. And, they may earn tax credits in the process. Then, at the conclusion of the financing term, the entire savings can be continued in ensuing months and years.

Almost any type of equipment can qualify for funding, and often soft costs, such as implementation and delivery costs can be rolled into the equipment lease. Municipalities and schools are major prospects for energy conserving efforts, but all businesses should be looking at the benefits of being GREEN. MacRae noted that in the past four years, his company has upgraded windows and insulation, and replaced HVAC processes. They are currently looking at replacing all lighting in the building, which will save energy costs, while enhancing the workplace environment.

MacRae stated that being associated with benevolent organizations helps companies grow in more than just profits. And, by giving back, with the work done through groups like Michigan GREEN, companies and individuals can do more than just continue to do business as usual; they can do business that is good, and they can make a difference on more than just the bottom line.

The customer that saves energy, also saves money; and, in doing so, they begin work on saving the planet. It all sounds like a good plan.

It's time to go GREEN; it's time to save some GREEN.