Adopt-A-Watt Launches in Dearborn
DEARBORN -- Adopt-A-Watt Inc. has announced a Sept. 22 launch for Dearborn's Adopt-A-Watt Program, making it the first city in the nation to move forward with this energy saving initiative.
The launch, which takes place at 10 a.m. in the East Parking Structure on West Village Drive in Dearborn's west downtown, will recognize Charter Sponsors for their "adoption" of new energy-efficient lights in the parking structure.
A broad spectrum of sponsors has come on board including educators, businesses and private individuals. Charter Sponsors' pledges will pay for the lights, as well as their installation, within the first year of their operation. In subsequent years, the program is anticipated to support the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and, as resources allow, the conversion to electric vehicles.
This public/private partnership will allow the city to move forward with energy saving programs without a cost to taxpayers.
Charter Sponsors' names and logos will be prominently displayed on signage throughout the parking structures, providing year-round recognition of their participation and community support. The first of these signs will be installed on Sept. 22.In addition to attendance at the launch by Charter Sponsors and Dearborn Mayor John O'Reilly Jr. invitations are also being offered to other local, state and federal officials.
Also participating will be Livonia-based BDT LightSource and other suppliers of energy efficient products.
Dearborn's Adopt-A-Watt Program, which has attracted community support from individuals, non-profits, foundations and business, to date includes:
* Silver Level: Auto Tech Clinic; Central Michigan University Dearborn campus; Oakwood Healthcare; Nickel and Saph Inc.; Roma Bakery; Severstal North America
* Bronze Level: Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS); BDT LightSource; Byblos Banquet Center; Cedars Coney Island; Cynthia Grimwade; Dave Norwood; Co-op Services Credit Union; Dearborn Steel Center; Dearborn Sustainability Coalition; DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Detroit - Dearborn; Eppinger Manufacturing; Going Green Foundation; Illusion Signs; Jan Overhead Door Manufacuring Co.; LaPita Restaurant; Legacy Industrial Electric, Leon's Family Restaurant; Morse Moving and Storage, St. Paul American Lutheran Church, The Dearborn Agency Inc., and Vehilectrical Power Systems.
Collectively, Charter Sponsors' adoption of highly energy efficient lights will save Dearborn 612,512 kWh in electricity costs and thousands of dollars more in fewer lamp replacements. Their combined action will also eliminate the burning of 256,000 pounds of coal.
Charter Sponsorships are still available. For additional information, contact Bonnie Boes, Founding Member, Public Relations, National Adopt-A-Watt Program, bonnie@adopt-a-watt.com, www.adopt-a-watt.com or (866) 643-5724.
