Here in Michigan, we are experiencing the mildest winter in many years. The same cannot be said for Eastern Europe, where recent cold waves have resulted in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit! Over 100 people, mostly homeless, have died as a result of the cold in the Ukraine this past week alone.

If you live in Michigan and your home has recessed lights (a.k.a. “can lights”), chances are your home is drafty. That’s because a vast majority of recessed lights are extremely leaky, acting essentially as holes between your home’s top story and your attic, which allows heated air to escape from your home. If your home fits this description, have no fear! There are some simple solutions to this age-old dilemma that will seal your lights tight, keeping your precious heated air inside your home this winter.

After years of diligent experimentation with a myriad of different products and techniques, the efficiency experts at Go Green Energy Consulting have perfected our air-sealed recessed light recipe. We are particularly excited about the EcoSmart LED recessed light trim kits (see below), which also switch you over to significantly more efficient lights at the same time! 

SPECIAL PROMOTION: Call (248) 233-7933 before February 28, 2012 and mention “LED recessed lights” to claim 10% off Whole Home Air-Sealing services!

The Michigan energy revolution is (almost) here! Consumers Energy announced plans earlier this month to cancel a proposed 830-MW plant in Essexville and shut down several coal-fire power plants by 2015. Couple with a $1.6 billion emissions reduction plan, Consumers expects to reduce total plant emissions by as much as 90%.

Consumers Energy has invested heavily in energy efficiency programs over the past several years, and it looks like their investment is paying off! Live in Consumers Energy territory? Do your part today by reducing your own home’s energy waste, and take advantage of up to $5,000 in rebates from the utility.

To learn more, call (248) 233-7933 to speak with a Go Green Energy Consulting representative.

Go Green Energy Consulting Co-Founder Adam Duke recently appeared on Fox 2 Detroit to lead reporter Robin Schwartz on a home energy audit … of her own home! Watch the video below:

Living Green: A FOXe Special Report: MyFoxDETROIT.com

Go Green Energy Consulting is proud to announce that we are officially hiring! Seven new employees have come on board over the last two months, and we plan to continue growing into the new year.

From left to right: John Charnota, Joe Kodlowski, Matthew Grubba, Jacob Smith, Stephanie Eller, Chuck Kelley, Adam Duke, Denny Austin, Matthew Aubel

“Since we started this business in 2009, one of our main goals has always been to boost Michigan’s economy,” says GGEC co-founder Adam Duke. “We hire Michigan workers, use Michigan products whenever possible, and provide work for other Michigan companies.” 

GGEC’s energy efficiency techniques save homeowners money on their energy bills, keeping money in the pockets of homeowners. Says Duke, “98% of our energy is imported from out of state. By reducing energy waste, we are literally saving money from flying out of our great state, which can then be spent within our local economy.”

Duke and his energy-saving companions do not plan to stop anytime soon. “We are thrilled to represent the emerging home performance industry in Michigan,” says business partner and childhood friend Jacob Smith, “and we won’t stop until every Michigander is living comfortably and affordably in their own home!”

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced that states and territories across the nation have reached the goal of weatherizing more than 600,000 low-income homes– including more than 125,000 multi-family homes like apartment buildings–more than three months ahead of schedule. The Department reached this major milestone as part of its efforts to save energy and reduce home utility bills for families, while creating jobs in communities throughout the country.

Read the full press release.

Energy efficiency is creating jobs in Michigan as well. Go Green Energy Consulting is proud to announce that we hired seven employees over the last two months!

GGEC Co-Founder Adam Duke spoke this past weekend at the Midwest Power Shift 2011 conference in Cleveland, OH. He was featured on a panel discussing Energy Efficiency as the Building Base of the Green Economy. (The image below is taken from the event’s program.) 

“It was really great,” says Duke, “there were a ton of extremely passionate students from all over the country. By sharing my story and insights, I was hopefully able to convey that it’s possible to pursue their passions through the for-profit sector.”

Duke, 23, graduated from Michigan State University in May 2010. 

“I wish I could have heard me give this talk when I was in school,” he jokes.

According to a new study, Michigan is the most improved state in the country for energy efficiency in the past year. Michigan has jumped to 17th in the state rankings from 34th in 2009!

How did we do it?? A great combination of policy and direct incentives have successfully encouraged homeowners and business alike to hop on the efficiency band wagon. Click here to learn more.

Go Green Energy Consulting has alone qualified hundred of customers for tens of thousands of  dollars in rebates from DTE and Consumers Energy. Call (248) 736-1898 to learn more about what we can do for you.

Flashback to 2009, Obama grills Katie Couric on the importance of home energy efficiency!

The U.S. Department of Energy today announced the release of the second installment in a series of four 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs). This latest guide will help architects, engineers, and contractors design and build highly efficient K-12 school buildings, saving taxpayer dollars. The 50% AEDG series provides a practical approach to designing schools and other major commercial building types that achieve 50% energy savings compared to the commercial building energy code used in many parts of the nation. These commercial building guides support President Obama’s goal to reduce energy use in commercial buildings 20% by 2020 and will help drive demand for energy-saving products made in the United States.

The Advanced Energy Design Guide for 50% energy savings in K-12 schools is now available for download.