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Demonstrations

Community presentations, energy education opportunities for children, and energy retrofit demonstrations. Check out those listed below for more information.

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.