University of Michiganโs carbon neutrality commission releases โbold, visionary planโ
โThrough 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. AdโI applaud the Presidentโs Commission on Carbon Neutrality for leveraging the strengths of our university and broader community to bring forward a comprehensive report. โOur 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
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ 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. โThe 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
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ The City of Ann Arborโs 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 cityโs 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
ANN 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
ANN 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."