GRAND RAPIDS — Does building an energy efficient building really make a difference?
Sam Friesen is a local builder and founder of The ENHABIT Institute. They are hosting their annual conference, with speakers and conversations about energy. The theme is "Building a Climate of Change."
Friesen was a recent guest on the KAXE Morning Show and he talked about the conundrum of how much energy is expended to make an energy efficient building.
"If we spend more money then we're going to save in that building when it's operating, then we're not actually improving things. We're just kind of maintaining the status quo."
Friesen believes it is important to make sure an energy investment has a good cost benefit.
When asked about building energy efficient buildings in northern Minnesota, Friesen said, "So the biggest challenge is, I think, trying to get the level of education high enough amongst the the broader trades." He said attention is needed by builders to how things like heat pumps get installed so that they can be used appropriately.
Speakers at the day long ENHABIT 2024 at Klockow Brewing in Grand Rapids on March 21 will address energy systems management, future jobs, sustainable design and more.
Seating is limited. Register here.
