INSIDER
Ann Arbor’s TheRide aims to reduce carbon footprint with new program
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide aims to reduce carbon footprint with new programA new zero-emissions initiative will help the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) reach its goals of reducing its carbon footprint in the years ahead.
Ann Arbor once again recognized for environmental leadership in Michigan
Read full article: Ann Arbor once again recognized for environmental leadership in MichiganTree Town has received “gold status” for its leadership efforts in climate resilience, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and its materials management for the third year in a row.
Rep. Debbie Dingell approves $230K for climate initiatives in Ann Arbor
Read full article: Rep. Debbie Dingell approves $230K for climate initiatives in Ann ArborThe city will receive the funds to support 10 AmeriCorps members who will implement local resilience-building initiatives and launch neighborhood-focused decarbonization.
Ann Arbor City Council approves search for new utility, aims to heat city with clean energy
Read full article: Ann Arbor City Council approves search for new utility, aims to heat city with clean energyAnn Arbor City Council has approved a resolution to kickstart negotiations with DTE and other utilities as it works to transition the city's heating to clean energy in the coming years.
Second annual Mayor’s Autumnal Green Fair to kick off in downtown Ann Arbor
Read full article: Second annual Mayor’s Autumnal Green Fair to kick off in downtown Ann ArborAttendees can join a parade (costumes encouraged!), get a stamp for free ice cream at Washtenaw Dairy, meet Leslie Science & Nature Center’s birds of prey, listen to artist Ki5 and play games to win prizes.
Ann Arbor receives gold status by state of Michigan sustainability challenge
Read full article: Ann Arbor receives gold status by state of Michigan sustainability challengeTree Town was recognized for its energy efficiency, clean mobility, materials management and climate resilience and adaptation, a City of Ann Arbor release said.
Second annual A2ZERO Week to start June 5
Read full article: Second annual A2ZERO Week to start June 5Running between June 5-11, the week-long event will have education activities, movies, farm tours, dance parties and demonstrations courtesy of the CIty of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations.
University of Michigan annual report reveals strong financial position despite pandemic
Read full article: University of Michigan annual report reveals strong financial position despite pandemicDespite the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Michigan’s “financial position remains strong,” according to the school’s annual report.
Dozens of U-M students stage walkout in protest of university’s environmental, sexual misconduct policies
Read full article: Dozens of U-M students stage walkout in protest of university’s environmental, sexual misconduct policiesStudents participated in a walkout on Friday demanding transparency and accountability from U-M officials on matters involving the climate and sexual misconduct.
Should Ann Arbor create its own municipal energy utility? Report released, public discussion set
Read full article: Should Ann Arbor create its own municipal energy utility? Report released, public discussion setThe City of Ann Arbor is holding a public discussion about creating a new, publicly-owned energy utility.
A2ZERO Week to celebrate one year anniversary of Ann Arbor’s carbon neutrality plan
Read full article: A2ZERO Week to celebrate one year anniversary of Ann Arbor’s carbon neutrality planMore than 20 family-friendly in-person and virtual events are scheduled from June 1-6 to commemorate the event, highlight sustainability and educate the community.
Sustainability, locally sourced food to be focus of inaugural Ann Arbor Green Fare
Read full article: Sustainability, locally sourced food to be focus of inaugural Ann Arbor Green FareDuring the first week of June, community members can try locally sourced and plant-based dishes while learning about sustainable business practices during the inaugural Ann Arbor Green Fare.
Ann Arbor starts planting 10,000 trees with free Arbor Day giveaways
Read full article: Ann Arbor starts planting 10,000 trees with free Arbor Day giveawaysFrom April 30 to May 2, the City of Ann Arbor is giving away free trees to residents to plant on private property during several Arbor Day weekend giveaways.
Homebound residents in Ann Arbor to receive over 250 energy efficiency kits
Read full article: Homebound residents in Ann Arbor to receive over 250 energy efficiency kitsThe City of Ann Arbor has partnered with Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels and DTE Energy to give home energy efficiency kits to around 260 homebound households served by Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels.
University of Michigan’s carbon neutrality commission releases ‘bold, visionary plan’
Read full article: University of Michigan’s carbon neutrality commission releases ‘bold, visionary plan’“Through implementation of the carbon neutrality plan, U-M will provide a model for taking early action to avoid the most adverse impacts of climate change. An institution can achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting the emissions it creates with emissions it removes. Establish, by 2025, carbon neutrality goal dates for Scope 3 emissions categories that are set for no later than 2040. Ad“I applaud the President’s Commission on Carbon Neutrality for leveraging the strengths of our university and broader community to bring forward a comprehensive report. “Our community comprises more than 100,000 students, staff and faculty, and our path toward carbon neutrality requires that they all feel empowered, represented and responsible.
Community input needed on energy, water usage ordinance
Read full article: Community input needed on energy, water usage ordinanceANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor is asking the public for input regarding energy and water usage in commercial and multifamily buildings. A goal of the draft ordinance is to help building owners find opportunities to increase the energy and water efficiency of their buildings, according to a release from the city. Currently, energy and water usage in buildings account for 68% of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, the release states. “The ordinance will help improve the energy and water efficiency particularly in large buildings across Ann Arbor. The draft ordinance was developed by the City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations (OSI) and a community task force.
Annual Sustainability Forums series returns to Ann Arbor Thursday
Read full article: Annual Sustainability Forums series returns to Ann Arbor ThursdayANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor’s annual Sustainability Forums returns on Thursday with the first of five community discussions on sustainability-related topics. Organized by the Office of Sustainability and Innovations, the monthly forums will be open to the public and held virtually through Zoom. The five discussions will focus on food, green infrastructure, circular economy, waste reduction, energy production and a special topic that has yet to be announced. Each forum directly relates to the city’s A2ZERO sustainability framework to get to carbon neutrality by 2030. Here is the Sustainability Forums schedule and topics:Jan. 25: food and food accessFeb. 24: forestry and green InfrastructureMarch 24: waste reduction and circular economy (tentative)TBD: energy production and useThe last topic and date have not yet been announced.
Ann Arbor Mayor to join sister cities in carbon neutrality webinar Wednesday
Read full article: Ann Arbor Mayor to join sister cities in carbon neutrality webinar WednesdayANN ARBOR At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor will join international counterparts from two Ann Arbor sister cities to discuss carbon neutrality and efforts to advance climate action. Hosted by the National League of Cities, Mayor Taylor will be joined by Simon Henig, Leader of the Council of County Durham in England, and Mayor Erasmus Palmer of Tbingen, Germany. The free webinar will include a short presentation from each community leader as well as question and answer sessions. On June 1, the Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopted the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan that is intended to help Ann Arbor achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Related: Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopts carbon neutrality plan Like what youre reading?
Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopts carbon neutrality plan
Read full article: Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopts carbon neutrality planANN ARBOR During its June 1 meeting, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously adopted the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan aimed at helping the entire community achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The plan stems from a climate emergency declaration by City Council on Nov. 4, 2019 that asked staff to craft a comprehensive carbon neutrality plan to be achieved in partnership with the community. It necessitates bold, ambitious and immediate action," Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor said in a statement. Over the last several months, our amazing staff came together with community members, organizations and experts to craft the A2Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan. With todays vote, Ann Arbor has committed to do its part, to do the hard, transformative work to meet our carbon neutrality goals."