Energy Efficiency

Homeownership offers people a safe and stable place to build equity every month instead of writing a rent check. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley partners with potential homeowners to build a new life for themselves through affordable homeownership. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor talks with their Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Stanton, about the ever-increasing need for housing in the community.

Ann Arbor City Council has made a significant step towards its A2Zero initiative as the Green Rental Housing Ordinance and the formation of the Sustainability Commission have been given the green light. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The Ann Arbor City Council tonight will take its first look at the proposed Green Rental Housing Ordinance. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert explains.

Despite uncertainties at the state and federal level, the City of Ann Arbor continues the push toward a more sustainable energy future. Back in November, voters approved creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility. The municipally owned utility will supplement the existing services from DTE Energy and seeks to use 100% renewable power. There is a lot of work to be done, but the city is moving the project forward. Where does it stand now and what comes next? WEMU's David Fair found out in a conversation with Ann Arbor Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.

In June of 2020, the City of Ann Arbor adopted its A2Zero Plan. Its goal was to move the city to full carbon neutrality by the year 2030. Under the best of circumstances, it presented a difficult task. With the new administration enacting funding cuts and some new local challenges, it may be nearly impossible to hit the target date. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor Energy Commission member John Mirsky about what comes next.

The City of Ann Arbor has a new 10-year deal with DTE to replace its gas franchise agreement with a new heating franchise. Negotiators say it’s the first in the nation to include climate and carbon reduction goals. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The Ann Arbor Energy Commission is looking to find what incentives could be implemented to encourage more zero emission developments. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ann Arbor’s Office of Sustainability and Innovations has launched a new website to help homeowners transfer from gas furnaces to electric heat pumps. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Bills to reframe some Upper Peninsula gas generators as clean energy for the purpose of state energy requirements received a Michigan House committee hearing Tuesday. Colin Jackson has more.

The next step toward Ann Arbor’s Sustainable Energy Utility becoming a reality happens at tonight’s City Council meeting. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has the story.