Local Energy Programs
Community presentations, energy education opportunities for children, and
energy retrofit demonstrations. Check out those listed below for more
information.
Energy Demonstrations You Can Visit
Micheleo’s Pizza Energy Retrofit
During the summer of 2004, the owners of Micheleo’s Restaurant agreed to
perform energy upgrades in their facility with financial assistance from the
Ecology Action Center’s Regional Energy Program (funded by the Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity). Acting as a model for other businesses
(especially those who rent a facility rather than own the building), an energy
analysis was performed by Brian Kumar, Thermal Imaging Services, and the
following energy improvement were made. Exposed ductwork was examined and
sealed, the furnace was thoroughly cleaned, refrigeration equipment was
cleaned, the building thermostat was moved, all lighting was replaced with more
efficient fluorescent alternatives, basement lighting was rewired from pull
chains on individual lights to a master light switch, a fuel oil tank was
drained and removed, and ICYNENE® insulation was installed in the basement
to stop serious air infiltration problems.
Ecology Action Center Energy Retrofit
Located in the historical Hewett House built in the 1860’s, the EAC was in
need of energy-efficient updates. Acting as a model for McLean County, blown
cellulose was added to walls and attic, interior and exterior storm windows
were installed, windows and exterior doors were sealed with weather-stripping
and lights were converted to compact fluorescent bulbs. A geothermal heating
and cooling system and BioBase soy foam insulation were added in 2004. This
energy retrofit was made possible with help from the Illinois Clean Energy
Community Foundation, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic
Opportunity, and the Town of Normal. We open to the public and are happy to
provide tours upon request.
Bloomington Community Development
Bloomington Community Development constructs affordable single family
dwellings to meet
ENERGY STAR®
Guidelines, in partnership with
Area Vocational Center (AVC),
YouthBuild or other nonprofit agencies. In 2005, the Ecology Action
Center’s Regional Energy Program (funded by the
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) funded the installation
of energy efficient technologies in a house built at 1314 N. Mason,
Bloomington, IL.
Children’s Discovery Museum
In November 2005, the Children's Discovery Museum in Normal achieved a Silver rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The Children's Discovery Museum is the first children's museum in the country to be rated LEED Silver or higher.
Bank of Illinois
The Bank of Illinois will build the next LEED-certified building in downtown Normal. The new building will be located right
next door to the Ecology Action Center.
Heartland Community College
In 2004, with the help of the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation, the
Normal Public Library
converted the lighting at
Heartland Community College
from magnetic T-12 fluorescent tube light bulbs and ballasts to more efficient
electronic T-8 technology.
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