On Oct. 31, 2024, Sustainable Business Network Detroit hosted an informative discussion sponsored by the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation regarding these efforts and how restoring tree canopy benefits individuals, neighborhoods, businesses, and the economy.

The panelists were:

Lionel Bradford, president and executive director, Greening of Detroit, a nonprofit focused on enhancing the quality of life for Detroiters by planting trees, providing job training, and involving youth in the education of the natural environment.

It involves Detroiters in the process through community engagement, green spaces, education, and jobs.

Maureen Donohue Krauss, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership.

DRP works to serve as a single point of contact for information, connection to services, incentives, and data for businesses who want to locate or expand in the 11-county Southeast Michigan Region.

Robert Riney, president and CEO, Henry Ford Health, and leader of HFH’s $4 billion Destination: Grand initiative.

The project includes a $2.2 billion expansion of HFH’s Detroit campus anchored by a new state-of-the-art hospital facility that will span 1.2 million square feet. It includes a 20-story patient tower, with three floors dedicated to providing intensive inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation in partnership with the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and its own Central Energy Hub, making it one of the largest fully electric-capable hospitals in the country.

The event was moderated by Terry Barclay, president and CEO of Inforum, and chair of SBN Detroit.

Some of the takeaways:

The case for tree canopy

Lionel: Growing up in Southeast Louisiana – which is very hot – you quickly learn the value of a tree. It’s also a sportsman’s paradise – We did a lot of hunting, fishing, and camping, and I developed a great appreciation for the environment and its value. I also love people. The work that we do is about people at the end of the day, so when we do this work it’s to build community and neighborhoods. We try our very best – changing landscapes and lives is our motto.

When someone has been incarcerated for 20 years and needs a second chance, they can come through your program – the Detroit Conservation Corps – and they can be trained and support their families. You can train people to put trees in the ground and maintain them.

Maureen: Part of my role is to inform people that economic development is more than just a new factory in your town, more than just a tax abatement. It’s creating an environment that both people and companies want to be in. Sixty percent of our projects are from international companies – when people come here for the first time, they have expectations of what a first-class city looks like… Think about Paris and its phenomenal tree canopies. People want that here.

I did a little research before this event: Homes with trees sell two days faster and for 15% more than homes without. Tree value increases with age – the cost of trees has 100% payback. Three properly placed trees can reduce air conditioning by 56% and reduce home heating bills by 10% by serving as a windbreak.

Bob: You may think what does a healthcare system have to do with tree canopies? HFH is absolutely committed to increasing the health of communities – the role that hospitals and doctors play is about 20%. We don’t underestimate the power of that 20%, but true health – meaning how long people will live and have a high-value life – is a partnership of healthcare, policy, and environmental factors – which are huge. You may have seen that the biggest determinant of your health is the ZIP Code that you live in. You need to have fabulous healthcare, access to it, economic security, environmental security, and food and nutrition security.

At HFH we need to be a population health company – we pick and choose how we should make our mark and one of the things we believe in is the power of the tree. We have to walk the talk.

The economic benefits of tree canopy

Maureen: Our organization has three pillars: market, grow, and support. It’s so much better now. People are curious to hear about Detroit and see what’s happening. Talent is No. 1 – we have the second-highest amount of engineers in the country and have experienced manufacturing talent.

As one of my teammates says, it’s workforce, weather, and water. When you talk about climate change, Michigan will be in the top five least affected.

The right amount of tree canopy and how trees are sourced

Lionel: American Forests did a study and determined that a city the size of Detroit should be at 40%. Right now we’re at 26%. We lose about 2,000 trees a year, so those have to be taken into account.

We get most of our trees from New York and Indiana and, more recently, Wholesale Tree Inc. in Northern Michigan. More importantly, we’re growing our own trees now – running the Walter Meyers Nursery in Rouge Park, which is owned by the city. We’re very intentional about turning into a full-fledged operational business. Last year, we harvested our first set of trees.

We have lost a lot of trees over time, and the reason we have lost a lot of those is because the city lacked the resources, and dead trees were not removed and were taken down by storms. This administration has done a great job by taking trees down when dead and dying.

Working with DTE has been quite thrilling – they have given financial support to planting trees but also to making sure that the next generation of environmental stewards are trained by supporting our Green Corps summer programs and also the tree care academy for adults to get credentials to trim trees, etc. That’s all important.

We do foresee a shortage of trees. As part of the IRA, Congress approved the largest allocation ever to urban and community forestry – $1 billion. More than 850 entities applied; there were 320 grants; 11 made it to Michigan, and Greening was one of the recipients: $9.7 million over the next five years to put trees in the ground, workforce development around the workforce, green space, and education.

How Greening of Detroit decides what types of trees to plant and where

Lionel: You need a healthy mix – the right tree in the right place. They can’t grow too high because of power lines. Roots need to grow down instead of out because of sidewalks. Some people resist having new trees planted because of previous sidewalk damage. We only plant on public land, such as right-of-way, schools, and parks.

We’re looking at neighborhoods with less than 5% tree canopy and where there is area to plant. We also look at areas of the city that are flood-prone – trees can mitigate that. We listen to the residents. We have a community planting application, and that’s where we start first.

In terms of trees that are more tolerant of where we’re planting, we like to plant native trees if we can. There is a list we work with and we consult with the city of Detroit and forestry services to identify trees less susceptible to climate change. There are about 30% Maple Trees in the city already, so we plant fewer of those.

The scope of the Henry Ford Health Destination: Grand project and how it is incorporating trees.

Bob: What we are building is collectively now a nearly $4 billion development – not all ours – within the city of Detroit – that includes a new bed tower with all private rooms – It has seemed unethical to me as private rooms proliferate in the suburbs that somehow Detroiters don’t deserve them. It’s also research-based that private rooms help improve health and lower the risk of infection and length of stays. Second, we’ll have an emergency room with 100 private bays and sound protection. It will be as tall as the Fisher Building.

We’re creating bikeable, walkable, treed space. I’m sick of seeing parks that are not designed to be used in the winter, so we’ll have evergreens, fire pits, lighting, and heated sidewalks so people can walk outdoors.

But we can do a lot with tree canopies that go beyond that – changing the look and face of the entrance to neighborhoods. If you go back in time, every neighborhood was surrounded by businesses. We need to reinstate thriving businesses by neighborhood, but we have too many commercial strips that don’t provide that entrance. Let’s figure out which commercial alternatives we need to rebuild but come up with something environmental and aesthetic for the rest of us.

What’s equally important is that we wanted to build a whole ecosystem – The Detroit Pistons are building 882 multi-income housing units around the campus. Through the Gilbert Family Foundation were able to bring the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab – the No. 1 rated rehabilitation for head trauma and other things. An MSU partnership is building a research center built on the health of communities.

Number of trees planted and what’s next

Lionel: We’re celebrating 35 years and during that time have planted about 175,000 trees with about 40,000 volunteers. We have a goal of planting 75,000 trees between 2022 and 2027 and reached the 25,000 mark this month (October). This is part of an initiative funded by DTE Energy, the city of Detroit, American Forest, and Greening of Detroit.

How Greening is funded

Lionel: We’re nowhere near where we need to be. We’re a nonprofit, so we’re funded through grants and individual giving.

One of the things we’ve done is start a social enterprise so we can bid on contracts to do the kind of work that we do. That kind of fee for service is important – we don’t often receive money for operations, but it takes trucks and all kinds of things we don’t get through a grant.

We were awarded $10 million over five years from the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest for this kind of work. But because they’re federal, they’re reimbursable grants – you have to do the work first, and you can’t buy anything over $4,999. The operations component is 10%. So you can’t buy trucks.

Engaging the business community

Lionel: There isn’t a corporation in town that hasn’t volunteered, and that provides an opportunity to talk about the importance of tree canopy.

Optimism about the future

Lionel: I’m very excited about the city and that we have the opportunity to plant 150,000 trees. We’re very focused on trees and workforce development. We don’t want to impose our will. We want to be invited into communities and help communities be part of the work – get everyone involved.

And, workforce development is very important – training folks with barriers to employment, training people coming out of incarceration – about 64% of those we work with are returning citizens.

Maureen: – Five years ago this would have been a different conversation. I believe that our region has finally figured out that by collaborating we win more. I’ve done this work since I was a college intern – instead of everyone looking at how Minneapolis or Atlanta does it, they’re coming here. We had 125 people from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who wanted to know our secret sauce.  I was asked to testify before a U.S. House Committee about how Detroit does this so well.

Bob: I’m a culture wonk who has studied the power of cultures, and I have a deep-rooted belief in the power of momentum – positive or negative. What we’re seeing in the region is such an effective positive momentum – the belief that we can do things and don’t have to copy others – and that it takes partnership to do it.

If you missed the event, don’t worry. You can view it here.

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Before founding The Cleanup Club, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting our communities and Great Lakes from plastic pollution through cleanups and creativity, I amassed a collection of over 100,000 pieces of plastic debris from the Great Lakes shorelines during solo cleanups. I used the colorful found objects to create thought-provoking art pieces and installations to inspire conversations about how we can all play a role in protecting the places we love. 

Creativity has continued to play a key role in The Cleanup Club’s mission to protect our communities and Great Lakes from plastic pollution while having fun. We aim to serve as an approachable source to help educate and spark dialogue with people online and in person about the urgent need for action to protect our freshwater resources. 

In 2016, a study from the Rochester Institute of Technology revealed that nearly 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter our Great Lakes every year, with major cities such as Detroit, Chicago, and Toronto being primary sources. By 2024, plastic production has continued to increase globally, and so has the urgent need to protect our waterways from harmful impacts. This is particularly crucial as these bodies of water provide drinking water to over 40 million people across the US and Canada. 

Recent studies have shown that topics such as climate change and plastic pollution often leave people feeling frightened and negative. With the rise of terms like “eco-anxiety” and studies emphasizing the growing harms of plastic pollution, The Cleanup Club aims to push forward crucial work for a more sustainable future and cleaner waters. At the same time, we strive to create an uplifting community that empowers individuals, communities, and businesses to take action together through joyful and collaborative experiences. 

We understand that working together is essential when it comes to finding upstream solutions and mitigating plastic pollution in our region. This is why The Cleanup Club values collaborating with aligned local businesses and global brands. We aim to educate and expand the conversation about Great Lakes plastic pollution through community cleanups, educational programming, and interactive creative projects around Michigan, focusing on Southeast Michigan. 

When partnering with The Cleanup Club, local businesses enjoy the benefit of a passionate group of volunteers cleaning up their neighborhoods while driving awareness and business to their unique offerings. Past partners, contributors, and sponsors include Walking Lightly and 86 Plastic (local zero waste stores in Metro Detroit), Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters, HiBAR, Detroit Shipping Co, Belle Isle Conservancy, Royal Oak Sustainability, and more. 

Community events are not only fun ways to get outside and take part in collective action but also serve as a way to collect data on top-polluting items and top-polluted areas for advocacy and research efforts that further promote upstream solutions. 

While we acknowledge that cleanups are not the ultimate solution, we strongly believe they play an accessible and active role in education and advancing our collaborative efforts for a brighter, more sustainable future for people and the planet. 

Learn more at  www.thecleanupclub.org and follow on Instagram at @the.cleanup.club.

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Landfilled food is one of the primary sources of climate change due to two main reasons.

1. First, food decomposing in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
2. Second, landfilled food represents a waste of land, water, and transportation resources that cannot be reclaimed.

Given the substantial volume of food we send to landfills, methane emissions are skyrocketing and our resources are depleting at an alarming rate.

Annually, Michiganders discard more than 2 billion pounds of food, resulting in approximately one-third of our landfills being composed of food waste.

This excessive waste leads to the negative impacts of extreme weather such as flooding and power outages. It deteriorates air quality, threatens our food supply, and endangers vital plants and animals. Consequently, the State of Michigan, along with the U.S. government and the United Nations, has set a target to halve food waste by 2030. However, with 2 billion pounds of food still being landfilled annually, achieving this goal within six years presents a major challenge.

Despite the fact that the problem is so great, eliminating food waste from our landfills is not all that difficult compared to other climate-related changes we need to make. Yes, it’s something we all must do, but it’s also something we all can do.

According to the United Nations, more than half of the food waste comes from our homes. That means all of us can make a huge difference in this issue by changing how we handle food in our kitchens. For a fun way to get started, join our 7 Day Food Waste Challenge. You’ll learn the basics and begin to set up some habits that will drive down the amount of food you throw away.

Of course, food waste happens outside of homes too. And if we’re going to reach the State’s goal in less than six years, we need a concerted plan. That’s why Make Food Not Waste has launched The 2030 Project, focusing on Southeast Michigan, the region with the highest population density. Concentrating efforts in this area is strategic, given that a larger population corresponds to greater amounts of waste. The project’s objective is to divert all food waste from landfills in the top 15 cities in the region. By collaborating with 17 local and national partners, Make Food Not Waste is crafting a detailed plan incorporating best practices in food waste reduction from across the country.

The project’s approach underscores two critical principles: first, there is no singular solution to food waste. Second, we can only stop food waste by working together. While skeptics may argue that completely eliminating food waste from landfills is unattainable, we feel otherwise. It does not require the invention of groundbreaking technology or a defiance of natural laws. Rather, we simply need to stop throwing our food in the garbage.

While establishing infrastructure, logistical frameworks, and educational programs pose challenges, they are not insurmountable. The alternative—continuing to waste our resources and make our planet hotter – is not something we can live with.

Learn more at www.makefoodnotwaste.org.

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Sustainability has evolved significantly over the years. At the University of Michigan’s Erb Institute for Sustainability in Business, this evolution includes working toward market transformation: business transforming the market to make it more sustainable. We can’t be thinking only: ‘How do we do less bad? How do we pollute less? How do we use fewer resources?’ We need to actually think about ‘How do we do more good?’

That fundamentally pivots the way that you think about business—it’s much more of a proactive than reactive conversation. It also centers justice in a way that early business sustainability didn’t.

This shift changes the local vs. global dynamic to consider the local as part of the global system, and it sharpens the focus on small and midsize businesses. It also considers supply chains and key stakeholders more broadly.

A study that I conducted with Kathryn Heinze, associate professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, shows some of the ways these shifts are happening. The study focused on the nonprofit FoodLab, which was operating in Detroit at the time. FoodLab aimed to promote healthy, environmentally sustainable, and accessible food systems and to grow a good food economy by working with its members: local food entrepreneurs.

One thing that we realized as we were working with local entrepreneurs was a focus on being embedded in place—what is Detroit? What is the commitment to the city? What is the future for the city we envision? And how do we place ourselves in that future as entrepreneurs? With this network of businesses, there was a strong motivation not just for the financial viability of the business, but for doing good through business.

But at the same time, these entrepreneurs have resource constraints, so there are tradeoffs. How do you balance things like a living wage with ensuring composting or locally sourced materials?

FoodLab helped ease some of these constraints by serving as a connector that lowered the barriers to entry around sustainability. This way, each entrepreneur didn’t need to have all the answers or all the resources—they could get the information they needed about sourcing, financing, or best practices through the network. FoodLab functioned as part incubator, part social movement organization, connecting folks with these shared interests to collectively learn, but also as the space that could aggregate these resources and make them accessible to people, so that they could more effectively move forward towards sustainability and justice goals.

FoodLab asserted that they couldn’t have a just and sustainable food economy if there wasn’t engagement, ownership, and voice from diverse entrepreneurs that reflect the City of Detroit. So they had a lot of intentionality around diversity and engagement, both in who was participating as entrepreneurs in the network, but also in what they were prioritizing as their goals as an organization. It was centering equity and justice in almost every conversation and decision they were having.

The ways that FoodLab built its organizational practices and structured conversations made sure that everyone involved felt like they were heard, even in contentious conversations, which built trust and helped them move collectively towards this more just and sustainable imagined future.

The Erb Institute – a partnership of the Ross School of Business and the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan -. works to create a sustainable world through the power of business. Somewhat like FoodLab, we also serve as an enabling network. The students are the key actors, We are the convener, and then the network continues with alumni who are now 10 to 20 years out but still lean into us and each other for support as they work toward solutions to sustainability and justice challenges.

Two of our key programs are:

• Impact Projects, through which students design projects, often working directly with businesses or partnering with businesses and community partners on organization-led projects. The projects give businesses access to students who have time, expertise, and passion around sustainability and justice efforts, who can help them focus on an issue—such as supply chain, procurement, or skills redevelopment.
• Erb on the Road, which brings both graduate and undergraduate students to businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations across Michigan. The program allows students to engage with a variety of different types of businesses and nonprofits that are focused on local sustainability challenges and figure out solutions for them.

For undergrads specifically, what has been powerful is hearing them reflect on learning what is happening locally—which makes what we talked about in the textbook real—but their experiences are helping them recognize that business and sustainability is an available career path. People are committed to sustainability in myriad ways, and you don’t need to wait until you are chief sustainability officer to do sustainability.

The Erb Institute is focused on preparing future leaders – and also service to the state of Michigan. We want students to recognize that being part of the University of Michigan isn’t just the Ann Arbor campus – it’s also the state and world.

So we work to help focus that commitment to: What does it really mean to be the leaders and the best? Supporting and engaging locally in Detroit and across Michigan is part of that.

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The post Moving Toward a More Just and Sustainable Future in Southeast Michigan appeared first on SBN Detroit.

DWEJ’s vision for sustainability is rooted in the three pillars of sustainability: health and happiness of community members, a healthy local environment free from hazards and harm, and economic vitality.

As an organization that focuses on environmental justice and strives to have the voice of the community-centered as decisions are being made that impact their health (physical, mental, spiritual, and economic), we assert that community members can envision and create healthy communities that meet their immediate and distal needs.

A healthy community is one in which all systems work together to support the health and well-being of all its members. Local businesses are part of the community’s ecosystem and thus play a unique role in supporting the health and well-being of the community. Ideally, the relationship between community members and local business is mutually beneficial as they prioritize health and co-create a healthy community. Local businesses and community members can work together to identify threats to community well-being and create strategies to address challenges.

In Detroit, and beyond, climate change threatens our ability to achieve and maintain physical, mental, spiritual, and economic health. As we experience more extreme weather locally, such as extreme heat and annual “100-year floods”, we recognize that our built environment may not be able to weather the storm (pun intended). Unfortunately, our existing residential housing stock and current construction practices are too often ill-suited for current and future climate conditions. The mismatch between what is available and what is needed creates threats to the health of people and planet.

DWEJ developed a contractor accelerator program that focuses on contractors increasing their awareness about ways to improve the built environment to mitigate risks related to climate change while centering sustainability. DWEJ’s contractor accelerator program, Building Health, serves as an incubator to support peer-to-peer learning among Detroit-based, Detroit-serving contractors of color. Building Health increases contractors’ awareness and implementation of “environmentally responsible and resource-efficient” practices that have:

1. Bottom-line business benefits
2. Individual and community health benefits
3. Decrease environmental degradation.

Building Health increases contractors’ understanding of the impact they can have on health. For example, participating contractors are presented with strategies for upgrading and greening residential housing in ways that include the use of various building methods and materials that can make homes more energy efficient. These improvements decrease greenhouse gas emissions, improve the health and comfort of the home, and improve the economic health of the occupants by reducing the cost of utility use. Participants receive financial and technical assistance to implement practices as part of the program as well. Additionally, contractors learn how to best communicate the benefits of sustainable repair and rehab practices to clients.

The role of local contractors is just one example of the opportunity our community has to transform our ecosystem and economy for the better. There is a unique and distinct role that local business plays in supporting people and planet. Sustainability is an iterative process where we must work collectively toward the goal of having healthy and vibrant places in which to live, learn, work, play, and pray.

—

Check out Laprisha Berry Daniels’s recent #TEDTalks: Lessons from the Past on Adapting to Climate Change

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BRITANY AFFOLTER-CAINE, IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MICHIGAN’S UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CORRIDOR

Students and young adults see climate change and the preservation of our planet not as an impending challenge, but one with grave consequences that are impacting humanity today. Generation Z is more likely than older generations to act on their climate concerns through their purchasing power and in career choices. A majority of Gen Z are willing to spend 10% more money for sustainable brands according to a 2019 McKinsey report, and 42% of Gen Z respondents have already changed or plan to change their job or industry due to climate concerns according to a 2023 Deloitte survey. For these future leaders and doers, the greatest priority is to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate these impacts and the forces causing further environmental harm. 

Gen Z is not alone. Many university researchers, staff and administrators across Michigan’s University Research Corridor (URC) share their climate concerns and have made sustainability a priority area of research, education, innovation and service. An alliance of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its region while advancing knowledge at a global level, the URC is committed to bringing all its resources to tackling climate change and mitigating its impacts today and in the future. 

Sustainability is an imperative we define as efforts to discover ways to meet the economic and health needs of people today while meeting the needs of future generations to thrive in ways that are effective, just and equitable. Sustainability includes decarbonization, clean energy innovation, reducing waste and pollution and managing limited resources, such as water. The sustainability work of URC researchers and students stretches across dozens of academic fields and within dedicated schools and colleges, such as U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability, and includes partners in our communities, government and industry. Development of sustainable technologies, knowledge and practices is critical for addressing climate change and is good for our economy. 

For example, Michigan’s mobility sector is accelerating its transition to a more sustainable and eco-friendly industry. It is reshaping the way people think about transportation, pushing automakers to innovate, and encouraging governments and businesses to invest in a cleaner future. The URC universities play a key role in developing new technologies to support the mobility industry’s transition. Over the past five years, Michigan’s URC universities conducted more than $565 million in mobility-related R&D, which included sustainability-focused research, such as light weighting vehicles through advanced materials, energy storage to extend battery range for vehicles and alternative fuels that are more sustainable, such as hydrogen. 

The contributions our universities are making to support sustainability in the market can be seen in our strategic innovation partnerships with industry, like at MSU’s top-ranked School of Packaging, where researchers are working alongside industry leaders to reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and water systems by streamlining the different types of plastics that are used in manufacturing. 

MSU is also a leader in mass timber research, studying everything from structural performance and cost savings to fire resistance and sustainability. Made from a renewable resource, mass timber stores carbon and is less carbon-intensive to produce than other common building materials.

U-M’s BioMatters team has developed their own sustainable solution for construction using upcycled sawdust. This fully biodegradable, reusable and recyclable material is formed into molds using 3D printing and can replace concrete formwork traditionally used across the construction industry. These molds are like giant LEGO pieces that can be used again and again.

At a time when the consequences of climate change are increasingly evident and devastating, the need for sustainable solutions across all sectors has never been more urgent. This starts on our own campuses, where we all have implemented comprehensive sustainability initiatives that encompass various aspects of campus life. We’ve invested in energy-efficient infrastructure, adopted renewable energy sources, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions through innovative technologies and conservation efforts, showing that the URC is not only contributing to a greener Michigan but also setting an example for institutions nationwide.

From lead in drinking water and intergenerational impacts of pollutants to mitigating development of fatbergs in our wastewater systems to storm water management, Wayne State has been studying the impacts of climate change and environmental threats to human health on residents and communities in Michigan’s largest city, Detroit. Old pollutants left behind by factories and other industries in the past are causing problems for people and the environment today. Supported by an $11.5-million National Institutes of Health grant, Wayne State University’s Center for Leadership in Environmental Awareness and Research is studying these old pollutants in cities, identifying how they move around and their impact on the health of mothers and babies. 

Our commitment extends to our work in sustainable action in communities across Michigan and the world. Michigan is renowned for its abundant freshwater resources, including the Great Lakes, which contain about 20% of the world’s surface freshwater supply. The presence of these vast water bodies makes our institutions leaders in research on water-related issues and solutions.

The United Nations tapped Wayne State University and the University of Windsor to head its Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in the Detroit-Windsor region. The partnership will address community health, equitable city-building practices, public transportation, clean water, sustainable urban planning and housing policy, to better our two communities that share an international border. 

U-M recently received a $5 million grant to study how climate change is affecting water resources in different areas, especially when those areas share borders. This research will help us understand how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are impacting our water supply, like rivers and lakes, and lead to better ways to manage and protect these vital sources of water. 

Sustainability is already becoming the heart of academic and industry research. Not only are environmental and economic pressures mounting, but our next generation of thinkers and leaders are dedicating their lives to addressing these issues. Sustainability is a thread that runs through every field in one way or another. 

Today’s young people are experiencing a rise of eco-anxiety, a chronic fear of environmental doom recognized by the American Psychology Association. If my generation had a fear of nuclear annihilation having come of age during the height of the cold war, Gen Z has had to bear witness to climate change impacts with devastating consequences across the world and in their backyards. Engaging in sustainable practices – finding agency – is a way to combat feelings of powerlessness. Regardless of major, sustainability is becoming an important piece of students’ education. 

The National Sustainability Society, a cross-sectoral professional society of university faculty and partners from across the U.S., is focused on institutionalizing sustainability as a coherent, transdisciplinary scholarly field in research and in the classroom. Members from all three URC universities engaged in the inaugural event in Ann Arbor and hosted by U-M’s SEAS to codify the effort and direction of sustainability curriculum development, education and workforce development and co-designing sustainability solutions in October 2023. Members will continue to work to further the integration of sustainability across the disciplinary spectrum to benefit the educational and research aims of students and faculty with respect to sustainability. 

Climate change and its current and long-term threats to people and economies across the globe may be our greatest existential threat. Developing sustainable solutions through research, innovation, education and service are critical priorities for the URC universities and our partners. We will continue to do the work, making a difference where we can. It is the vital role research universities can and must play. 

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America Recycles Day held annually on November 15th holds immense importance as it serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role recycling plays in conserving resources, reducing waste, and protecting the environment. This annual observance encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to take concrete steps toward sustainability by pledging to recycle and promoting recycling education and initiatives. It reinforces the idea that recycling is not just a one-time effort but a continuous commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

America Recycles Day inspires collective action and underscores that every small recycling act contributes to a significant positive impact on our planet.

ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ ACCESS TO RECYCLING SERVICES

For nearly two decades, Detroit has been proactively enhancing residents’ access to recycling services as part of its broader sustainability mission. Acknowledging the importance of diverting recyclable materials from landfills to minimize environmental impact and conserve resources, the city has implemented initiatives such as expanding curbside recycling pickup, improving access to public space recycling, and fostering partnerships with local organizations. These strategic moves aim to make recycling more accessible and convenient for Detroit’s residents, empowering the community to actively participate in sustainable practices and contribute to a cleaner, greener city for all.

GREEN LIVING SCIENCE

At the forefront of Detroit’s sustainability journey stands Green Living Science (GLS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating Detroit residents about waste and recycling. Initially established in response to the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s request for recycling and conservation education, GLS has grown to provide a range of educational programs aimed at instigating behavior change for a more sustainable society.

SERVING RESIDENTS

GLS serves Detroit’s 600,000+ residents who have been adversely impacted by the trash, air pollution, and debris pervading communities. The city launched a curbside recycling program in 2015 and contracted GLS to teach residents about recycling and sign them up for free recycling carts. GLS remains the recycling and outreach contractor for the Department of Public Works (DPW), educating residents about recycling services available to them and working closely with block clubs and community groups throughout the city.

One of GLS’s flagship programs, the Bee Green Business initiative, launched in 2014 in response to the corporate sector’s need for effective recycling and waste reduction solutions. This program educates and certifies companies in Southeast Michigan committed to responsible corporate citizenship. By training businesses to establish waste reduction and recycling systems and educating their staff on correct usage, Bee Green Business supports companies in minimizing their environmental footprint. Moreover, it recognizes and celebrates businesses that are leading sustainability in Michigan.

Southeast Michigan, with its historical legacy of manufacturing and innovation, has emerged as a vibrant hub for sustainability initiatives, embracing the principles of responsible business practices. GLS envisions a future for the region where sustainability is integral to business operations, and where companies prioritize environmental impact alongside financial success. To realize this vision, GLS focuses on reducing waste through recycling and composting advocacy, partnering with local businesses to ensure recyclable materials are diverted from landfills, thus reducing the environmental burden.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

GLS champions sustainable sourcing practices, encouraging businesses to embrace the circular economy, which minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. These initiatives help bolster the regional economy while diminishing the environmental repercussions of long-distance transportation.

While Southeast Michigan has made significant headway in its sustainability journey, it grapples with challenges stemming from its industrial past, including pollution and environmental degradation. Nevertheless, GLS’s emphasis on circular economy principles and waste reduction contributes to overcoming these challenges and forging a cleaner, more sustainable city.

Remediation and cleanup efforts continue to address these issues. We are seeing businesses adopting

circular economy principles, minimizing waste, and maximizing resource efficiency which will help address and overcome the legacy not dedicated to creating a cleaner city.

Green Living Science plays a pivotal role in Southeast Michigan’s path toward sustainability by serving as a catalyst for change. Through engagement with businesses, schools, and communities, GLS offers valuable resources and educational programs that empower individuals and organizations to embrace sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Southeast Michigan stands as a burgeoning center for sustainable business practices and environmental responsibility. As Southeast Michigan confronts its sustainability challenges and strives to attain its goals, the role of GLS in educating, inspiring, and facilitating change cannot be overstated. Together, Southeast Michigan and GLS are forging a path toward a greener, more sustainable future, benefiting all who call this region home.

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You may be missing out on growth opportunities if you’re a business that has yet to jump on the sustainability train.

I’m sure you’ve heard the word “sustainability” before, but what exactly does that mean to your business? That’s the question all individual companies need to ask.

PEOPLE, PLANET, AND PROFIT

The well-known triple-bottom-line theory is just one of many theories floating around today. But, the most basic question that all businesses need to ask is: How is my company benefiting People, Planet, and Profit?

No matter what program, theory, or process a business intends to follow, there’s one sure thing – getting started can be the hardest part. But, if you are a company that is just getting started, it’s easier than ever to create a sustainability plan for a business.

Companies no longer have to reinvent the wheel when writing a sustainability plan. Other businesses have created many programs and published sustainability plans to help lead the way and share best practices.

While sustainability means different things to different organizations, there’s no denying that implementing sustainability initiatives can help a company’s growth in more ways than just environmental stewardship.

While that is the main focus of sustainability, let’s not forget about the economic benefits as well. A company that reduces utility costs can put that savings into hiring more employees, spurring economic development.

Sustainability plans should be a part of any business operational plans. Here are some of the benefits of getting started.

SAVE MONEY

● Reduce the cost of transportation to and from landfills

● Reduce your operating expenses when you use less energy and water

● Reduce your stormwater runoff fees Reduce your company’s carbon footprint

● Lowering greenhouse gas emissions by reducing energy and water consumption

● Installing gardens or green roofs to manage stormwater runoff

● Reduce transportation emissions to and from landfills and local traffic Increase your revenue:

● Increase positive public relations and marketing by promoting your company’s sustainability efforts

● Increase sales by offering sustainable products to your customers

● Create a healthy building to attract quality tenants to increase rent

● Provide a healthy environment for employees and thereby reduce sick days

The steps described above are not always easy to implement. If you own or manage a building, creating a high-performance building takes focus and commitment.

Organizations such as 2030 Districts are forming across North America to assist facility managers and owners with tasks such as tracking and managing water and energy consumption, offering educational opportunities, sharing best practices, and more.

Most 2030 District programs are free or cost-effective compared to hiring a consultant or company to assist. For more information and to find a 2030 District in your city, visit www.2030districts.org.

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Flagstar Bank understands that environmental concerns have far-reaching implications for society and businesses alike. By prioritizing sustainability, we demonstrate our commitment to mitigating our environmental impact. In 2022, we hired an ESG/Sustainability Director, Kirby Brendsel, in order to streamline and enhance our sustainability strategy as well as to build out our broader ESG efforts. This dedicated role ensures that environmental considerations are integrated into the bank’s strategies, policies, and operations. Kirby brings many years of experience in the ESG/Sustainability space. As part of his role, he oversees the implementation of sustainable practices such as reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste generation, and promoting eco-friendly initiatives.

ADOPTING SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES

Adopting sustainable practices—and developing sustainable products and services that meet customers’ needs—can significantly enhance Flagstar’s corporate reputation. In an era where customers increasingly favor socially responsible companies, sustainability initiatives can differentiate Flagstar from its competitors. By demonstrating our commitment to sustainability, the bank can attract environmentally conscious customers, employees, and shareholders who value ethical and responsible business practices. This positive focus on sustainability can lead to increased customer loyalty, brand recognition, and, ultimately, financial success.

Sustainability initiatives at Flagstar also serve as a proactive approach to risk mitigation and long-term financial stability. By identifying and addressing potential environmental risks, such as climate change impacts or regulatory changes, we can safeguard our operations and investments. Moreover, sustainable practices often lead to cost savings through increased energy efficiency, reduced resource consumption, and streamlined processes. By minimizing operational costs and creating a more resilient business model, we can ensure our long-term financial stability.

EMPLOYEES ARE KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Flagstar recognizes that employees are key stakeholders in sustainability initiatives. In late 2022, we launched an environmental/sustainability-focused Employee Resource Group named the Green Team that helps us tap into the passion and creativity of our workforce. It also serves as a platform for employees to collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to sustainable initiatives. This engagement fosters a sense of purpose and empowers employees to make a meaningful difference. Moreover, the Green Team can act as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging employees to identify new opportunities and implement sustainable solutions throughout the organization.

FINANCE INTEGRATING ESG FACTORS

The world of finance is increasingly integrating ESG factors into investment decisions. By prioritizing sustainability, Flagstar aligns itself with emerging ESG standards and meets investor expectations. Staying ahead of regulatory changes and industry trends positions us as an attractive investment option for socially responsible investors. This commitment to sustainability enhances transparency, and accountability, and ultimately contributes to long-term shareholder value.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of sustainability cannot be overstated. Organizations across various sectors are realizing the need to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. At Flagstar, we recognize the significance of sustainability and are committed to incorporating environmentally responsible practices into the fabric of our organization.  Flagstar’s sustainability initiatives not only benefit the environment but also contribute to our long-term financial stability and success.

Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.

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When you’ve been in business a while, you come to understand that there is no such thing as “just business.” What we do impacts our communities, our customers, and our world. That’s part of why, at DTE Energy, we’ve built sustainability into our plans for the future to help ensure that we’re going above and beyond for what matters most.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS AN ERA-DEFINING ISSUE

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our era. That’s why last fall, DTE Electric unveiled our 2022 CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan, our proposal to fundamentally transform the way we produce electricity in our state, accelerating coal plant retirements and investing in cleaner Michigan-made energy – including wind and solar parks – to accelerate reductions in carbon emissions.

These plans include MIGreenPower which gives both business and residential customers the opportunity to support clean energy infrastructure right here in Michigan without needing to install or maintain it themselves. Michigan businesses have already gotten involved in this program in a big way.

Corporate leaders Ford and Stellantis made two of the largest renewable energy purchases ever from a utility in the U.S. in 2022, adding more than 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy to their automotive operations. This, combined with more than 85,000 residential enrollees, the MIGreenPower program is on pace to avoid as many as three million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, helping create a cleaner future for all.

While natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels, we offer ways for customers to offset their natural gas usage, too, with the Natural Gas Balance program. For a small fee, the program uses carbon offsets to protect forests across the Upper Peninsula and support the advancement of non-fossil fuels with renewable natural gas. This program is designed to play a role as we aspire to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

ENERGY EFFICIENCIES

We also strive to help the businesses that support our communities with ways to make their operations more energy efficient. With our business energy advisors, business owners can find the right energy-efficient solutions for their operations. From business-specific tips and changes to technologies to help make it easier, we are here to guide our customers toward a more energy-efficient way of doing business.

But carbon reduction isn’t the only thing we’re working on. We also strive to build a Michigan-based set of suppliers. DTE has invested nearly $18 billion with Michigan-based suppliers since 2010, creating and sustaining 65,000 Michigan jobs. As a founding member of Pure Michigan Business Connect, we recognize the importance of connecting with local suppliers and we require that most new bids include at least two Michigan companies. Sustaining local businesses as well as our environment are key components to building a better future for all of Michigan.

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