sustainability

Ann Arbor is laying down the groundwork for its renewable energy utility in the city’s Bryant neighborhood near Ellsworth. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

Large-scale data centers are increasing in number. They can use a lot of land, water and energy. In the meantime, wind and solar farms are part of the renewable energy future. Where to put them, and how to responsibly deal with land use issues, is difficult. These decisions can have a particular impact on our rural communities and the people who live there. Are we prepared for that future? WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters CEO and President, Lisa Wozniak, wanted to know about potential benefits and consequences. They talked it over with Dr. Sarah Mills, the Director of the University of Michigan Graham Sustainability Institute's Center for EmPowering Communities.

Ann Arbor’s Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) program for grid reliability and energy affordability in Ann Arbor is expected to launch next week. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

The City of Ann Arbor is teaming up with DTE to offer energy efficiency incentives for multifamily rental housing. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Local dog owners can now take their furry companions to Olson Dog Park after the City of Ann Arbor recently opened it to the public. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

The race to eliminate waste is on, and the University of Michigan is working to win! The Campus Race to Zero Waste is the nation’s leading collegiate waste-reduction competition. Michigan won the competition in 2024 but fell short last year. The 2026 competition is underway and runs through the end of March. WEMU's David Fair spoke with U-M Sustainability Program Manager Alison Richardson about the competition and how it benefits the environment.

The Ypsi Performance Space has hosted many community gatherings and musical performances over the years. Now, the venue is more eco-friendly, thanks to the recent installation of new electric vehicle chargers. Lee Van Roth talked all about the chargers and how they’ve created a better connection to the community with Ypsi Performance Space manager Steve Pierce.

There will be some significant environmental issues to deal with this year. Data centers, grid security, renewable energy policy—all of these issues will be before the Michigan Legislature, and it comes during a mid-term election year. How much will get accomplished? On this week’s "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair spoke with State Senator Sue Shink. She laid out her environmental priorities in 2026.

Ann Arbor’s Green Rental Housing Ordinance is now in effect and requires all rental units to meet a minimum energy efficiency level at the time of inspection. WEMU’s Caroline MacGregor reports.

Ann Arbor is expecting progress towards its sustainability goals in 2026. Advancement on the voter-approved Sustainable Energy Utility will continue, and with the 2030 deadline rapidly approaching, more work is to be done to move ahead with the goals and aspirations of the city’s A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality plan. On the first "Issues of the Environment" of 2026, WEMU's David Fair explores the environmental year ahead with Ann Arbor’s Sustainability and Innovations Director, Missy Stults.