Verso Paper recently announced it completed a $45 million renewable energy project at its pulp and paper mill in Quinnesec, Michigan, which will provide the facility with 28 more megawatts of green energy.

"The completion of the Quinnesec renewable energy project is a milestone in the implementation of Verso's long-term energy strategy," said Mike Jackson, president and CEO for Verso. "Besides delivering annual energy savings, the project helps Verso deliver on our commitment to increase our use of renewable biofuel and thereby reduce our carbon footprint."

The new green energy project features an upgrade to the mill's biomass boiler, a new biomass handling system and a new turbine generator, which allows the mill to use renewable, carbon-neutral, wood-based biofuel for more than 95 percent of its on-site electricity generation.

Another facility in Michigan recently underwent a series of green energy upgrades.

The Cobo Center, a meeting and convention facility located in downtown Detroit, was awarded with Green Venues Michigan Steward certification from the Michigan Energy Office. Among its many eco-friendly features, the building has an HVAC system controlled by computer to maximize efficiency, and a committee of building stakeholders meets frequently to discuss green energy initiatives.