Elevate Energy Blog

On Energy Efficiency Day, we Celebrate Energy Equity

October 5, 2017 is the second annual national Energy Efficiency Day. We’re joining a growing network of advocates, companies, government agencies, utilities, and others who are showcasing the benefits of energy efficiency. What does energy efficiency mean to us? You’ve heard it before: Our mission is smarter energy use for all. But what exactly does [...]

How to Schedule a Home Energy Assessment

You probably land in one of two camps: rejoicing the start of fall and cooler temps, or mourning the end of summer and warmer days. Whatever your seasonal inclination, now is the perfect time to prepare your home or building for Chicago winter. While there are many free, small things you can do today to [...]

Cool Energy Efficiency Gadgets to Take Your Savings to the Next Level

Last week, we compiled five easy, free ways to save on your energy bills. This week, we’re talking about our favorite energy efficiency gadgets that will help you boost your savings even further! We tried to focus the list mostly on items that are small, easy to use, and relatively affordable—and included a few ways [...]

Five Small Behavior Changes to Help You Save Energy for Free 24/7

Even though measures like air sealing and insulation can make a huge difference in your energy use and utility bills, saving money and energy doesn’t always require an upfront investment. Here are five no-cost ways you can use less energy throughout the day, shave a few bucks off your energy bills, and spend that extra [...]

Go With the Flow: Expanding Water Efficiency in Our Building Services

We’ve been helping building owners and managers tame high-utility costs for almost ten years, and throughout that time we’ve experimented with incorporating recommendations to increase water efficiency and stop uncontrolled water leaks in buildings. As the cost of water steadily rises, property owners are increasingly concerned about keeping water costs down. Identifying the causes of high [...]

Selling the Sun: Elevate Energy Course to Help Real Estate Pros Value Solar is Now LIVE!

This post is an update on our progress since our receipt of a $445,000 cooperative award from the U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative.  It took 40 years to reach the milestone of 1 million solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the United States, but the Solar Energy Industries Association predicts that it will only take two more years to reach [...]

Energy Efficiency in Michigan: Creating Financial Stability for Low-Income Families and the Nonprofits that Serve Them

More than 1.4 million Michigan households, or 37%, are considered low-income, earning less than $30,000 annually. Many low-income households face a large energy burden, which can be defined as a household’s heating and electric expenses as a percentage of income. Great progress to reduce energy burden has been made in the Midwest by improving energy [...]

Anne Evens Discusses Low-Income Efficiency with Citi Foundation Community Progress Makers

The following is an excerpt from Elevate Energy CEO Anne Evens’s discussion with the Citi Foundation’s Community Progress Makers (CPM). CPM is a national cohort of 40 nonprofit organizations, of which Elevate Energy is a part of, working to establish new approaches to long-standing urban economic challenges; learn more about our involvement here. The excerpt [...]