Dearborn's Henry Ford Centennial Library Joins Adopt-A-Watt

DEARBORN (WWJ) -- The Henry Ford Centennial Library on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn is the latest building in the area to join the National Adopt-A-Watt Program.

Adopt-A-Watt is modeled on the Adopt-A-Highway program, and sells sponsorships to fund new, energy-efficient equipment, alternative fuel vehicles and other green technologies for financially challenged public agencies.

Locally, AAW has completed energy-efficient lighting and electric vehicle infrastructure projects for four parking structures in two Michigan cities, Dearborn and Royal Oak.

In Dearborn, 102 energy-efficient lights and an EV charging station were installed in 2011 in the west Dearborn parking decks, made possible by 32 sponsors.

Adopt-A-Watt predicts the combined projects will save the City $176, 000 in operating costs.

AAW is also supported by Clean Cities Coalitions and endorsed by many alternative fuel organizations. In addition, its advisory board is led by Jigar Shah, founder of Sun Edison and former CEO of the Carbon War Room, a Sir Richard Branson initiative, and former United Nations ambassador and actress Linda Gray, a California environmental activist.

AAW is also supported by the National Electrical Contractors Association of Southeast Michigan and Local 58 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

The AAW program at Henry Ford Centennial Library will begin with a "throwing of the switch" ceremony Friday at 8 a.m. at the library, 16301 Michigan Ave.