ITC Holdings and Its Role in a Greener Grid
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Novi, Mich., ITC Holdings builds, operates, and maintains high-voltage electric transmission systems that carry electricity in Michigan and around the Midwest. The company owns and operates approximately 16,000 circuit miles of transmission lines across 90,000 square miles of service territory. SBN Detroit interviewed Simon Whitelocke, senior vice president and chief business officer to find out more. Q: How does ITC approach sustainability? A: We are central to a broader sustainability initiative aimed at decarbonizing the electrical grid, facilitating the shift by interconnecting greener electricity, even though we don’t generate it ourselves. When building transmission infrastructure, we are highly mindful of our environmental impact. Our transmission lines, which have a lifespan of sixty to seventy years, traverse both urban and rural areas. We strive to be good neighbors to the environment, habitats, and wildlife around them. Before starting a transmission project, we conduct an environmental assessment to determine the best route, the type of land it will occupy, and potential impacts on sensitive habitats or endangered species. We also carefully plan the construction timing to minimize its environmental impact. Q: How has ITC evolved over time when it comes to sustainability? A: From day one, ITC has prioritized being mindful of our impact, making environmental responsibility a core part of our company culture. As we’ve expanded into diverse geographies and worked in various environments, our commitment has deepened. Our repertoire and tools have grown and adapted over time, leading to enhanced and improved expertise. Q: How has the infrastructure evolved, and what are the solutions for building toward sustainability? A: We operate with significant oversight, often collaborating with federal, state, and local governments, which provide a framework of standards. Cities and states have developed sustainability plans that we work within. For example, Michigan has the MI Healthy Climate Plan, and we align our efforts with it. The public is also more aware and engaged, and there is much greater support for sustainability initiatives today. Q: How does your work vary from state to state when it comes to dealing with habitat and environment? A: Every state presents unique challenges and regulates environmental matters differently, so it’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all approach. At the federal level, there are baseline protections for certain species that apply nationwide, but some states have additional protections for species-specific to their region. For instance, Michigan is unique due to its extensive wetlands. Compared to Iowa, which has fewer trees and less water, Michigan presents a totally different set of environmental factors. These variations create a lot of state-to-state differences in our work. We collaborate with local and federal governments on mitigation plans to ensure our impact on the environment is as minimal as possible. What are the biggest challenges that you encounter in managing habitat around building and maintaining infrastructure, and what are the lessons you have learned along the way? A: ITC takes great care to protect the environment and habitats surrounding our infrastructure, but the most challenging item we have encountered is invasive species. To counter this, we employ adaptive management techniques, meaning, that once we plant something, we don’t just walk away from it. We consult with biologists to regularly monitor those areas to control, and remediate, any invasive issues that may arise. Q: How do you handle materials and recycling? A: We partner with Goodwill Greenworks, among other recyclers, to recycle our construction material. As we replace infrastructure the old materials such as wires, cables, and metal copper steel go to them, versus a landfill. Goodwill Greenworks also creates job opportunities and supports community development by training individuals in green jobs and environmental management. When we decommission old equipment, such as batteries at substations, we ensure that these materials are properly recycled. This includes recycling oil, metals, and other components with the help of our experts. We send concrete structures used as foundations for equipment to recyclers that crush and reuse it as aggregate, or to produce new concrete. Similarly, untreated wood, such as old pallets or shipping crates is recycled into mulch or used as fuel for co-generation. Also, old wooden poles are often donated to landowners versus having to be disposed of in a landfill. Overall, we are increasingly focused on recycling and being mindful of our environmental impact. Q: How does ITC incorporate sustainability into its operations beyond infrastructure and recycling? A: In 2022 we received a Gold Tier Program Award for our efforts at our Novi headquarters and we’ve been awarded several Conservation Certifications from the Wildlife Habitat Council. I think this demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship. The property the campus sits on includes significant wetland areas, and we are highly sensitive to maintaining and protecting these natural spaces. This approach extends to our transmission corridors and warehouses, where we prioritize living in harmony with the environment. The 2003 blackout was ultimately triggered by a power line coming in contact with a tree, so we are particularly mindful of managing vegetation under our power lines. When we remove trees, we have replaced them with habitats such as prairies that support local species and pollinators. This reflects our focus on sustainable land management practices. Additionally, many of our transmission corridors are integrated with walking and biking trails, allowing people to connect with nature while ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity. We strive to balance the need for power with the importance of preserving green spaces. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.
Green Door Initiative: Fostering Sustainability and Economic Growth
Founded in 2010 by native Detroiter Donele Wilkins, the Green Door Initiative is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship. It emphasizes developing green spaces, revitalizing urban areas, empowering communities, and workforce development tailored to the green energy sector. In March, Wilkins was appointed to serve on the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council established by President Biden under Executive Order 14008 of January 27, 2021, to tackle the climate crisis here and around the world. SBN Detroit interviewed Wilkins about the vision and the progression of the Green Door Initiative and how serving on the advisory council will impact its trajectory. Q: What is the impetus behind the Green Door Initiative? A: The Green Door Initiative is an environmental justice nonprofit organization based in Detroit. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of race or ZIP code, is environmentally literate and capable of promoting and living a sustainable lifestyle. We achieve this through several programs and initiatives. First, we offer community education and access to resources – opportunities for residents and community members to learn about environmental protection and improve their daily lives. Through workshops and awareness programs, we translate complex information into actionable steps, helping individuals access resources to enhance their environmental conditions. Another big focus of ours is workforce development. Here, we focus on increasing the capacity of residents to compete in the environmental and green sectors. Our 12-week training program has a 92% job placement rate, offering underrepresented and underserved individuals opportunities to become certified and licensed for well-paying, family-supporting jobs. This program covers various environmental and green-collar jobs, addressing climate change, pollution removal, and more. We also engage youth in this program. Every summer, we employ high school students to support their transition into leadership roles and career planning. And finally, we work to impact public policy related to environmental health, advocating for equal protection to mitigate issues such as poor air quality, and unsafe drinking water. We advocate for investments and resources that mitigate climate impacts, ensuring that our communities are heard in decision-making processes and receive the necessary support. Q: What types of jobs does your workforce development program help people secure? A: We train individuals for diverse careers in the environmental and green sectors. We specialize in placing certified professionals in roles related to environmental cleanup, including handling hazardous materials and addressing pollution. We also support job placement in energy audits and solar installation, helping individuals improve energy efficiency and contribute to renewable energy projects. Additionally, we facilitate apprenticeships, particularly in electrical fields linked to green energy. Our network extends to disaster response roles, where individuals assist with emergency food and water distribution, and to various general green sector positions. We continuously seek out potential career opportunities in the environmental field. Q: What other initiatives are you pursuing in workforce development? A: We’re actively involved in several projects related to workforce development. One major initiative is our Air Quality Management Project, which we started with funding from the EPA. This involves installing air monitoring systems and collecting real-time data to share with the community. We are also focused on community outreach, training residents on the significance and use of this data. Additionally, we’ve created job opportunities through our training programs. Several participants have been hired for internships and full-time positions as air monitor installers. We’ve also partnered with Just Air, a for-profit company, to fulfill a contract with Wayne County for installing 100 air monitors. This collaboration allowed us to employ our trainees and demonstrate our capability to meet local needs. Q: What is the economic impact of green jobs? A: It’s huge. These roles are among the fastest-growing job trends that exist today, and they significantly benefit local economies. Green jobs contribute to environmental restoration and adaptation, aiding communities in recovering from storms and other environmental challenges. As the shift toward electric vehicles and related infrastructure accelerates, more job opportunities arise, creating synergy with the auto industry. Our 12-week program trains several cohorts of 25-30 individuals quarterly, offering comprehensive education in environmental and green-collar sectors. This training spans various fields, including solar installation, and prepares participants for diverse opportunities, benefiting both large and small contractors. To date, we’ve graduated 1,700 individuals from our program. Q: Does Green Door focus on manufacturing jobs, given the industry’s significance in Detroit? A: Yes, we do engage with manufacturing jobs, including those related to solar panel assembly. For example, we’ve partnered with companies involved in solar panel manufacturing and installation. We’ve also established a company – 313 Solar – that is not yet launched, which will aim to handle the full spectrum of solar panel operations, from manufacturing to maintenance. We’re actively collaborating with companies planning to set up in Wayne County and working with the Department of Economic Development and other partners. These companies often seek grants and will recruit from our trained workforce, ensuring alignment with industry needs and sustainability goals. Q: Can you expand on the community education you offer and its impact on Southeast Michigan? A: We’ve provided approximately 25,000 hours of community awareness training. Our focus includes educating people on navigating permit hearings and understanding environmental protection at local, state, and federal levels. We cover environmental health impacts, such as the effects of poor air quality on health. We also address misconceptions, such as victims being blamed for their health issues due to lifestyle choices like poor diet or smoking. We engage in discussions about food deserts and other systemic issues, aiming to shift the trajectory by proactively influencing development and policy changes. Q: What impact do you have on local businesses? A: We help local businesses access talent they might not have considered. Many companies struggle to fill positions or find the right skill set, and we provide solutions by presenting qualified candidates. Businesses are often surprised by the high quality of the individuals we connect them with. We encourage businesses to reach out and have a conversation with us. Our team of job developers
Becoming Sustainable in a Water-Intensive Business
In 2013, industrial designer Shayla Johnson launched Scarlet Crane Creations and began selling her stationery and other prints at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale. She quickly realized her disdain for using paper as a medium due to the waste it created. Pivoting to natural and organic fabrics and eco-friendly inks, she created her Detroit Collection which includes home décor and accessories made from original and sustainable hand-printed fabrics. Over the next eleven years, she progressed her sustainability practices and is now revamping her systems, equipment, and space toward the preservation of water and the support of using organic dyes and materials. SBN Detroit interviewed Johnson about the impetus behind her vision, the challenges in executing sustainable practices in the print and textile industry, and the solutions she is employing. Q: What is the company’s approach to sustainability? A: Sustainability is always a thread in my thinking and I’m always looking for ways to do better. I’ve progressed from paper to fabric to more responsible fabric and continue this evolution. I use all organic and eco-friendly inks. We are also focused on a closed-loop system that allows us to recycle the water we use. Q: What inspired you to focus on your water usage, and what are the challenges in the printing/textile industry that you face regarding this? A: At one point along the way I measured how much water I was using in one print session, and it was ten gallons. To put this in perspective, that involved dying about ten to 15 yards of fabric. I saw this as completely problematic, watching all that water go down the drain. And began to think exponentially – what does this look like across the country and globe? I have come to find out that the global textile industry utilizes 1.3 trillion gallons of water annually – enough to fill 2 million Olympic-sized pools. Q: What did you do next? A: Water-based inks have always been my focus. I knew that going forward when I dump the waste, I needed to make sure it was filtered and disposed of properly and the water was reused. I began working with Centrepolis, and they connected me to Dr. Refael Aharon, an expert in textile recycling. We worked for four months studying my processes and developed a system that he outlined for me including recommendations and the equipment and type of space I will need. Q: You recently won a $10K grant from Michigan Women Forward to expand your space to accommodate this. What has this involved? A: That’s right. I am part of the Motor City Match program now and am in the development track, where I’m getting help to further plan the space and secure a location. Q: You utilize fabrics that are sourced in the U.S. and the production is focused locally in Detroit. What challenges come with this? A: The companies we order from are all American-based companies, and it is all organic cotton and linens, etc. But there are very few mills in the U.S. these days, so some of the raw goods are unfortunately imported. The companies we buy from all have a commitment to sustainability, and I try to purchase as much fabric as I can locally. Our bread-and-butter product – tea towels – is from a fabric company in Michigan. Q: What are the challenges in working with organic inks and dyes? A: Using natural dyes requires a different process that is more labor-intensive and therefore takes longer. These dyes are made from plants and proteins that come from cactuses and other natural sources and can be more expensive to source. Since they are all-natural, they don’t last as long. We have to use them faster and that can be tricky to manage. So, the biggest barrier becomes being able to produce in a way that still allows us to sell the products at a reasonable price. However, my clients appreciate and seek out these products purposefully, choosing not to purchase ink that requires solvents and materials made of synthetics, etc. So, they are not surprised by higher price points. This model aligns with slow fashion – being thoughtful and intentional about the outcome even if that takes longer. I believe in having an item that will last longer and that won’t end up in a landfill. Q: Are there additional sustainability practices you deploy? A: Some of our items are created from upcycled materials like jeans and pre-owned items. People also like these because they are one-of-a-kind. Q: In terms of sustainability – does your location in Detroit come into play? A: Yes. Because there has been a resurgence of interest around Detroit and people are looking to focus efforts in this area, that has helped. People want to support us. My assistant is a College for Creative Studies graduate, and I want to continue to train students locally who have a passion for fibers and sustainability around textiles. I want to keep all of that within the Detroit ecosystem. Q: What are the barriers you have faced operating sustainably as a smaller company? A: The inability to work as quickly as we’d like. Also, the dyes I mentioned. Some only last two to three weeks, so we try to print as much as we can in a few sessions before the vat goes bad. Organic materials can be unstable. You constantly must keep them fresh. Q: What is your advice to other design/textile companies like yours when it comes to sourcing locally to help the economy and be more sustainable? A: I believe in collaboration, especially with local schools and universities. I think sticking to a local pipeline of talent is important. I work as an adjunct at CCS, and it’s really been useful to me to bounce ideas off of others. My advice is to never work in a silo – build a community. To that end, I belong to a couple of community printmakers in the area and have been deeply
EV Infrastructure Has Funding – When Will There Be Stations?
Three years ago, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Congress allocated $5 billion in federal funding to establish the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program. This initiative aims to develop charger networks across each state to support electric vehicles (EVs). Of this funding, $110 million was earmarked for Michigan, covering the period through fiscal year 2026. However, the state has not yet seen the installation of any new power stations. As part of this effort, Red E Charging LLC – an EV infrastructure developer and charging network based in Detroit – has been awarded several NEVI contracts to install and manage in Michigan and a number of other states. SBN Detroit interviewed Red E Charging Founder Abass El-Hage about the timeline, barriers, and factors specific to Michigan regarding power station installation. Q: Since the announcement in 2021 of the $5 billion in federal funding just 11 EV stations have been installed across seven states, with none in Michigan to date. From your perspective, why is this? A: There are several reasons. First, this is a new process and it took time to get organized, generate RFPs, and kick it off. RFPs were published at the end of last year and contracts were awarded early this year. Setting up the necessary paperwork is tedious and time-consuming, and around public funds, there is just a lot of due diligence required. There are also multiple and varied requirements around bonding that can take another six months to sort out. Identifying appropriate locations for the charging stations with the right amenities on the property that’s willing to host can be time-consuming. On top of that, regardless of how long the paperwork takes, working with the utilities and getting the right equipment and resources in place can take six months to a year. It’s simply an arduous process that takes time. Q: Do the requirements vary from state to state? A: Yes. Every state is different when it comes to execution under NEVI. In Texas and New Mexico, the NEVI process is pretty straightforward, but Texas has issues with utilities that can slow things down. I would say Michigan is the middle of the road. And the biggest hurdle here is the strict bonding requirements. Not every state requires bonding, but Michigan requires a five-year bond that’s not run of the mill. Q: Outside of NEVI projects, is every state different? A: Yes. Incentives are different in every state. Utilities are different. In Michigan, we are lucky to have DTE and Consumers Energy. They have been helpful and proactive, and they facilitate a lot. EGLE (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy) and the EPA have been helpful in Michigan as well, helping to create infrastructure in off-highway locations that are still easily accessible at reasonable rates. Q: In Michigan, are the challenges different in the Upper Peninsula compared with the Lower Peninsula? A: Yes. With every project there are financials, and in the UP there are fewer people, there is less traffic, and therefore less charger usage. It’s harder to justify a project when you don’t make the money back as fast. Additionally, utilities in the Upper Peninsula impose demand charges, which are flat fees added to the electric bill. These charges can be quite substantial. When considering these costs, the financial viability of a project often becomes questionable. Q: How do you view the transition from gas to electric vehicles being understood and received by the public? A: It’s a mixed bag. I think there is still a stigma around charging and how difficult and inconvenient it could be. It’s a misconception in my opinion. I drive from Detroit to Chicago regularly and along that route, I can stop to charge just like stopping for gas. Also, I think there’s been mixed messaging to the public by the auto industry – especially here in Detroit. When there are recalls, or if an automaker commits to building x amount of EVs and then scales back, this sends mixed signals to the public. Q: How many contracts in Michigan has Red E Charging been awarded and what is the status? A: We’ve been awarded 12 NEVI contracts all over the state and an additional 60 fast charger projects across the state for EGLE and utilities. As I explained, the paperwork along with bonding requirements plus environmental approvals, site checks, and more make this a slow process. But we have notice to proceed and are moving forward with the first few now, so these will be underway. The actual installation takes just about two weeks. We were also awarded a project outside of NEVI with the City of Detroit to install public-facing chargers throughout the city. Q: Michigan aims to have enough infrastructure for 2 million EVs on the roads by 2030. Do you think this is possible? A: Yes, I think it can happen. DTE and Consumers Energy are very helpful when it comes to single-family and multifamily homes. It’s cost-effective to have a charger at your home. That drive from Chicago to Detroit I talked about … I think by the end of the year there will be chargers every 20 miles or so, eliminating any planning needed because people will feel confident they can stop whenever they need a charge. I think in the near future the logistics involved in an EV experience will be no different than driving a gas-powered vehicle. It’s just a different thing fueling the car. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.
Using Data to Create a Greener Bottom Line
Established in 2022 in Detroit by William Crane, OrbAid is dedicated to – in his words – helping companies build greener bottom lines. The company sells AI-based project management software that provides data and recommends actions to help companies prioritize projects that increase profits and environmental impact. SBND interviewed Crane about the current landscape for businesses navigating sustainability projects. Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you see businesses facing when it comes to sustainability? A: There are a number of challenges and some macro trends that stand out. When we look at the largest publicly traded businesses globally, they’ve made public commitments when it comes to their sustainability goals, and have included these in their SEC Filings. Many, if not most, of these companies have a significant gap between their goals and their current progress. The effort required to close this gap is substantial and poses a considerable challenge in itself. Second is the continuous improvement aspect and the time and resources this involves. For example, a company may have a goal to decrease emissions by 10% year over year for the next ten years. Planning for its longevity is a challenge. Automotive suppliers are under significant pressure. One of our customers, Prism Plastics, is particularly challenged by increasingly stringent customer sustainability requirements, and suppliers don’t have a long runway to become compliant. Further, with new government regulations taking effect in the EU and US, companies can face extreme fines and there are rigorous legal ramifications. Both customers and governments are shifting their sustainability expectations from pollution reporting to business greening. Often, companies have sustainability teams composed of employees who are already filling other roles, making it a part-time effort at best. These teams might generate ten ideas for green projects when, realistically, they need 10,000. Also, the sequencing and prioritization of projects is a challenge. Determining the most efficient and effective projects and initiatives to put into place – and in what order – is necessary to be able to sustain continuous improvement. Q: Sequencing of projects – what does this mean exactly and how does that play into a company’s sustainability planning? A: Companies have the best intentions of course, but taking on projects in a strategic order will help to remain profitable. For example, a global manufacturing company might decide to put solar panels on all of their factories across the country or the world. That is not a bad thing, but maybe that project is more expensive and has a longer payback than switching select supplier disposable cardboard boxes to returnable metal racks. Sustainability is a long game, and as I said, most large companies have continuous improvement demands year over year, so it’s about strategically sequencing the projects to remain profitable while meeting goals. Technology can help here. Leaning into AI to sort out the sequencing can be a game changer. Q: Where are companies most often missing opportunities to be more sustainable and increase profits? A: The practical and actionable stuff. There is so much pressure surrounding sustainability. It’s been politicized. There is consumer angst around it. There are stringent government regulations as I mentioned. And people naturally go to extremes. It’s back to the idea of large global manufacturers putting solar panels on all of their factories around the world. This is an enormous and expensive project. Not to say that’s not something they should do at some point, but perhaps first, companies can look at creating less trash, using less water, and converting to different materials in their manufacturing. By doing these things they can save time and money and help the environment. It’s a matter of prioritizing projects and not just throwing a Hail Mary and hoping things work out. There are a number of very practical projects that can be taken on and absorbed that in the end will help businesses be more profitable – and keep them profitable along the way. We’ve been able to help many companies in this way, including GM, Prism Plastics, Berkshire Hathaway, and more. Q: Are these hurdles changing over time? Evolving? A: Yes, when it comes to sustainability things are always evolving. We continue to face changes in regulation. I think 2025 will be an inflection point. If companies don’t comply with regulations the fines will be astronomical. Also, the science and the jargon can be confusing. But consumers are more educated than ever before and also more demanding when it comes to their sustainability expectations of companies. Q: What are some examples of sustainability projects for businesses that you have seen increase profitability? A: Product packaging is a big one. Take appliance companies like Whirlpool. Historically, an appliance gets delivered to a home and you are left with a lot of cardboard and styrofoam. Switching to renewable materials can translate to savings. We are seeing some really creative innovations in packaging materials like fungus-based inserts that are organic and naturally break down. Q: How do you think AI can impact local businesses in terms of sustainability? A: AI is an efficient tool. It can be used to quickly – yet deeply tailor actionable profitable sustainability projects that deliver results. It can be used to calculate the environmental impact and business profit to get better, faster results. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.
Cascade Engineering – Designing Toward Function, Planet, and People
Created in 1973, Cascade Engineering specializes in large-part plastic injection molding. The second-generation, woman-owned company was recognized at the 2023 Society of Plastics Engineers Automotive Innovation Awards for its work with Ford Motor Co. on the Mega Bin/Frunk for the Ford F-150 Lightning. Frunk is a portmanteau word for a trunk on the front of a vehicle. In doing so, it converted the front trunk from a compression-molded painted sheet-molding compound to a large Class A composite injection-molded part and is currently one of the industry’s largest injection-molded product pieces. SBND interviewed Christina Keller, CEO and chair of the Grand Rapids-based Cascade Engineering Family of Cos., about the frunk’s impact on sustainability, creating circular economy solutions, and evolving trends in the industry. Q: How does sustainability stand out within Cascade Engineering? A: Cascade is a second-generation family business that is woman-owned and sustainable. We are celebrating 50 years as a triple-bottom-line company. We are a certified B Corp, ISO 14001 certified and LEED certified. Our focus is on innovative products and solutions in manufacturing and we supply to the furniture, automotive, and waste industries. Q: What role does sustainability play in the company? A: We have been organized as a triple-bottom-line – people, planet, profit – company since our inception. On the people side, we work heavily with returning citizens and also on initiatives to reduce the state of recidivism in Michigan. On the planet side, we’ve been zero waste to landfill since 2012 and have innovated a number of projects in the circular economy. Obviously, we must be profitable to engage in all these activities. Q: Can you tell us more about the frunk? I believe this is currently the industry’s largest injection molded product piece. What aspects of this impact sustainability? A: First, by eliminating the paint process there is a significant reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Second, it’s more fuel efficient due to decreased product weight. Next, the manufacturing process has been streamlined to reduce energy. And finally, it’s more recyclable in that the end-of-life material can be recycled into a variety of products. Q: How do you think this impacts Southeast Michigan? A: The paint process takes place in Ford facilities, so eliminating this directly reduces VOCs in Southeast Michigan. The collaboration between Cascade and Ford serves as a promising example of potential collaborations between Tier One suppliers and manufacturers in Southeast Michigan. There are many opportunities for partnerships toward a better environmental outcome. Q: In what other ways does the frunk’s design and manufacturing process impact sustainability? A: We have eliminated the environmental burden of paint in the Frunk’s design. Additionally, the secondary routing of holes has been eliminated, reducing process steps and allowing us to produce a higher quantity of parts in less time. The seal interfaces are integrated into the assembly station for further efficiencies, and the material used is recyclable. Q: The Frunk process utilizes a 4,000-ton injection press and a tool equipped with a 16-drop hot runner system to mold these parts. Is this typical? A: No. The use of a 4,000-ton injection press is unique in the industry. The capital required to purchase this equipment poses a significant barrier for most companies. Additionally, the specialized human capital needed to operate such a large press is rare. Q: Is the new frunk product in production? A: Yes. If you buy a Ford 150 Lightning today you will get one of these pieces in your vehicle. It is fully in production and we are looking at more innovations currently. Q: What new innovations are you working on? A: Additional frunks in the near term. Before electric vehicles, we did not have the space in the front of vehicles to create a front trunk. Now, with increased demand for EVs, it’s a growing area and we are looking at manufacturing a number of additional front trunks. Q: Does being in Michigan in particular post challenges or opportunities in terms of your work on the sustainability front? A: There is an excellent network of manufacturers in Michigan – especially Southeast Michigan – that allows us to be truly innovative. A challenge is finding talent. This sector overall currently has 516,000 job openings and over the next decade is projected to reach 3.8 million. Another challenge we face is incarceration. The U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates, with 1 in 100 adults in jail. We see returning citizens as a valuable pool of talent that can be trained and integrated into the workforce. This presents a unique opportunity for Michigan, as the state is not attracting enough new residents, and only 50% of college graduates stay here. Additionally, while college graduates remain in their first job for an average of two years, returning citizens tend to stay for seven years. This approach offers an interesting solution to addressing the talent gap in Michigan. Q: How do you see industry trends evolving? A: I see a lot of work in the AI space and Industry 4.0 focused on innovative manufacturing methods. There is a noticeable trend towards reshoring, driven by the constraints observed in the global supply chain during the pandemic. Companies are now striving to establish a local footprint, which also helps reduce the carbon footprint from transportation. Additionally, significant efforts are being made to maximize package density for more efficient shipping and transportation. Regarding talent attraction and retention, we have more 65-year-olds in the U.S. than ever before, while our younger demographic is declining. Q: How is Cascade adapting to the changes in the industry? A: We are constantly scanning the horizon to look at trends. On the sustainability side, we are developing an ecosystem of recycled plastic sources to enhance our clean stream of recyclable materials. We are looking at streams from medical waste that could be used, and post-consumer and post-industrial applications. We are also working on additives to use in our products such as hemp fibers, dust waste, and trash materials. And finally, we are working with
Accelerating Solar Through Connecting Contractors
Established in 2013 in Detroit by Patrick McCabe, GreenLancer is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of solar energy and EV usage. The company’s software platform is designed to connect solar installers with design and engineering partners while guiding the permitting process, making it easier and faster for contractors to do their work. SBND interviewed McCabe about the current landscape for contractors in the industry. Q: What inspired the creation of GreenLancer? A: Following my graduation as a mechanical engineer, I moved to California and began working for a solar company. It became evident to me over time that there was a significant gap between contractors eager to install solar systems and the availability of engineering and design services to support them. Upon returning to Michigan, I founded GreenLancer with the vision of creating a platform where contractors could easily connect with engineers and designers, effectively bridging this gap. Today, GreenLancer is dedicated to advancing the adoption of clean energy and EV infrastructure, contributing to sustainability efforts not only in Southeast Michigan but nationwide. Q: Could you explain GreenLancer’s core function? A: GreenLancer operates as a marketplace that links contractors with engineering and design firms, streamlining processes to accelerate the installation of solar energy and EV charging stations. Since our inception in 2013, we’ve assisted over 7,500 contractors on more than 200,000 clean energy projects nationwide, totaling over $2.5 billion in solar energy and EV infrastructure investments. Q: Those are big numbers. Can you tell us more about how those numbers are achieved? A: We work as an online marketplace – akin to Amazon. The software connects contractors globally to design firms and engineers globally 24/7, so we can connect hundreds – even thousands – daily who then can move into the project phase. If you do the math, GreenLancer has been in existence for 11.5 years, so this equates to the support of approximately 48 projects per day being executed around the world. Q: What challenges do contractors typically face in the solar and EV sectors? A: The solar and EV charging industries pose unique challenges since they are so new. Many contractors lack the specialized knowledge and resources required for these installations, often necessitating costly engagements with engineering firms. Additionally, navigating the diverse and complex permitting processes across different states can be overwhelming. Issues related to utility interconnections further complicate PV installations, potentially causing delays and increased costs. These factors frequently deter contractors from entering the solar and EV markets altogether. Q: What impact does this have on the economy? A: Simplifying the complexities of permitting and engineering enables clean energy contractors to scale their operations, thus enhancing the economy. It also expands access to green technologies for both businesses and residents. Q: Your website mentions incorporating concepts from lean manufacturing in the automotive industry. Can you elaborate on this? A: As a Detroit-based company, we’ve adopted the automotive industry’s assembly line approach in a virtual capacity, optimizing our marketplace operations for efficiency and scalability. We also embrace concepts of continuous improvement methodologies and lean manufacturing used in the automotive industry to evolve alongside the needs of our users, enhancing our technology and service offerings over time. Q: How do drones factor into the solar industry? A: Drone use by solar companies has increased dramatically in recent years for residential, commercial, and utility-scale projects. Drones can save time, increase worker safety, and help pinpoint maintenance issues. In fact, many contractors are now using drones to gather data for solar site surveys, inspections, and marketing images. Several drone software companies specifically cater to the solar energy industry. Q: Solar farms are controversial in many places, including Michigan, mainly over questions of land use. What are sustainable practices for solar farm installation that can help mitigate the environmental and community impact? A: It’s helpful to consider the community and environmental impact of solar farms from the planning stage to ensure they provide the most benefit possible to the community. However, some practices are difficult or costly to implement at certain locations. It’s best to avoid constructing solar farms on undisturbed natural areas in ecologically sensitive areas. Therefore, using already cleared land usually has less impact on wildlife and is often more cost-effective. It’s helpful to keep some existing vegetation that doesn’t shade the array and to minimize soil disturbance during construction whenever possible. Some solar farm developers are experimenting with wildlife-friendly fencing around solar farms that allows wildlife to pass seasonally or is high enough to allow small animals to pass underneath. Another option, if space allows, is to create vegetative buffers along the fence line for wildlife habitat. Planting native wildflowers can reduce the need for mowing, promote biodiversity, and encourage pollinator populations. This can benefit nearby farmers because pollinators are essential for many crops. Some solar farms use sheep as an alternative to mowing to manage vegetation growth, reducing the need for mechanical mowing equipment. This approach typically involves partnering with local ranchers. Q: This is an expanding industry – is the size of the labor force keeping pace? What are the qualifications needed to get started? A: The solar power, energy storage, and EV charging industries need many skills to expand. The 2024 Electriciation Contractor Survey highlights some issues related to the labor force for solar, energy storage, and EV charging station contractors. The report found that 49% of contractors surveyed report a lack of experience and industry-specific knowledge as a challenge for hiring qualified professionals, particularly electricians and field technicians. Transitioning to clean energy is boosting the demand for licensed electricians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for electricians is expected to increase by 6%-9% from 2022 to 2026. In addition, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certification helps launch a career in the solar industry. Various training programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations designed to advance the clean energy industry. 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Changing the Chemistry of Plastics
For the last four years, Heartland – a Detroit-based company founded by Tim Almond – has been working to perfect a natural fiber product it calls Imperium that replaces synthetic materials in plastic, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of plastic by up to 50%. This natural material is hemp fiber, and the company has partnered with farmers in Michigan and across the Midwest to integrate it into their existing crop rotations, which then can increase profits for the farmers, and enhance the soil. With funding from BASF business incubator Chemovator’s Elevate program, Heartland is commercially producing the product and is ready to deploy it in the reusable packaging industry, followed by the automotive and construction industries. SBN Detroit talked to Almond about the product and its impact on sustainability. Q: Tell us about Heartland. A: Heartland is a material science company based in Detroit that leverages natural fibers to help companies reduce their carbon footprint while solving the challenges of the big three sustainability missions – environment, social, and economic, without compromising product performance. The fun part is that on the product side, we get to work with the local farming community to increase their revenue per acre and increase soil health as we help manufacturing groups make better products that are better for the environment. Heartland was born out of a passion for problem-solving and sustainability. Q: How exactly do you impact and work with the farming community in terms of sustainability? A: The farming community is going through a very difficult time right now. The two major crops in Michigan, corn and soybean, are seeing a tight income situation because the value of the crops is low but the cost of chemicals and seeds is high. Profit for farmers is all but nonexistent. Hemp fiber production is a great rotational crop within corn and soybean and drives premium income per acre while improving the soil through micronutrients. The third most popular crop in Michigan is wheat, and here, we are capitalizing on underutilized land. Typically, this land sits empty from midsummer to spring, but hemp fiber grows quickly so they can grow a crop after the wheat has been harvested. We are seeing organic matter improvements in soil and aeration which lead to better production of future crops. We truly believe hemp fiber could be a staple crop in Michigan and across the U.S. Q: How many farms in Michigan are involved today? A: We work with ten or so farms in Michigan and several other states. Q: What is the process of developing the Imperium product? A: Hemp fiber is planted densely and grows to be eight to 12 feet tall. It is then cut down and treated so it’s protected from the high temperature of plastic manufacturing. Once it gets in the plastic it looks and functions exactly like plastic. So essentially the Imperium product line is made from one ingredient – hemp fiber. In the future, there are opportunities to use other natural fibers that could add value to the plastics and rubber used in the manufacturing space. Q: How do Imperium products mix with plastic to create a better end product? A: Imperium is not a finished product, it is an ingredient in the final product, being plastic. Much like making a cake, you use flour, sugar, baking powder, etc. So in making plastic, there are materials added that when combined, make the final product. Today, ingredients such as glass fiber and impact modifiers are used, as are other materials that increase the plastic’s carbon footprint. Imperium replaces large portions of the bad products with natural fiber. We can shave off 30% to 40% of the product’s carbon footprint by swapping some ingredients. It’s like eliminating sugar from your cake recipe but still enjoying the sweet flavor. Q: How did your team achieve the development of and engineering behind the products? A: A lot of failure. Trial and error. It took time to figure out what works. In many cases, the fact that we did not have the proper resources and funding gave us time and space to get it right. If we had funding three years ago, we probably would have purchased the wrong equipment. So we had to be creative with our processes, and we finally landed on a method that works with extreme efficiency. Q: Where are products deployed commercially and in what industries? A: We are commercially able to produce master batch technology for three areas of the marketplace – automotive, construction, and reusable packaging. For the auto market, think exterior components, car handles, and roof racks. Reusable packaging is our bread and butter. This consists of bins, totes, and pallets – things used to move materials in a warehouse. We are working with about 100 groups on the product development now. In the reusable packaging space, we are in the final stages of integrating into their commercial lines. These lines move hundreds of millions of pounds so it’s a meticulous process to implement. The auto industry involves a three to five-year lifecycle, but we do have an opportunity for next year’s product model. This is undefined as of today though. In the construction industry, we are in the middle stages of creating opportunities. Q: What global brands are you working with? A: Some are confidential at this time. But we work heavily with BASF and their Ultramid B Nylon 6 product, which is on every vehicle in the world. There is an opportunity for tremendous growth. Q: Creating partnerships with larger companies appears to be one strategy that you have. How does that work and do companies have equity stakes? A: In the chemical marketplace there are producers and processors who work with distributors as partners to expand sales capacity. We are taking a similar approach in that regard. Q: How is Heartland supported by BASF Chemovator? A: The investment came from Chemovator which is BASF’s incubation and seed funding arm, and with their venture capital investments
The Cleanup Club: Working to Mitigate Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes
HANNAH TIZEDES IS THE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CLEANUP CLUB 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. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.
Demand, Support for Sustainable Events Boosts Schupan Business Unit
Wixom-based Schupan began in 1968 as a six-person scrap metal recycler. Today, the company has 600 employees and offers multiple services related to metals and plastic, including recycling, fabrication, and materials trading. Schupan also provides sustainable events planning – planning, managing, and executing sustainable efforts for sporting events, festivals, conferences, and businesses, among others. Jessica Loding, Schupan’s chief sustainability officer and director of events, said this segment of the industry is growing as more businesses and organizations seek assistance in creating more sustainable events. SBN Detroit interviewed Loding about her work in this area and the industry trends. Q: Schupan was incorporated in 1968. Give us a little background about the company and how it’s evolved. A: Schupan started as a metal recycling company in Kalamazoo and has grown to handle beverage container recycling nationwide. We also broker materials internationally, have a multimillion-dollar inventory of aluminum and plastic parts that we sell to manufacturers, help manage the disposition of electronics, and offer sustainable event management services. Q: How has recycling evolved through the years in your experience? A: The industry has grown vastly over the last couple of decades as more and more people and businesses realize the benefits of recycling, from the perspective of climate change and the creation of the circular economy. As technology has developed and end markets for commodities have expanded, the industry has realized substantial growth to the benefit of all parties. Q: Tell us more about your Sustainable Event Management Services. A: Schupan was an early adopter of these services, and only a dozen or so companies specialize in event recycling. We support various events, including music festivals, art fairs, conferences, sporting events, casinos, hotels, community events, and business events. Q: Why do you think businesses should adopt sustainable events? A: Consumers expect companies to operate with a focus on the environment, their carbon footprint, and their recycling efforts. So, companies that embrace sustainability can have a more meaningful engagement with customers. Entities and businesses that go above and beyond to create new ways of thinking and acting around sustainability can develop a great brand story. We have partnered with some to pioneer some really interesting new recycling techniques. Q: What is an example of this? A: We worked with Dow last year and its Great Lakes Bay Invitational to develop golf tees from the plastic mesh fencing used at the venue. We partnered with Evolve Golf, Bull Engineered Products, and KW Plastics to turn the mesh into pellets and then mold the pellets into tees. Q: What are the biggest challenges that businesses face when it comes to sustainable event planning and management? A: The first challenge is the economics. It takes money, and budgets don’t always allow for the cash flow needed. They often rely on sponsorship money to provide funding and advance the programs. The second is the availability of services. They need to locate labor, have resources to support the efforts, find a waste hauler, and more, but that takes time and effort and can be a challenge. Q: Are you seeing more companies wanting this service? A: Yes, we’ve seen a large increase in inquiries for services over the last couple of years, especially since the pandemic. I think it made people more aware. We are now receiving more calls than we are making on the business development side, which is nice to see. Q: How has sustainable event management evolved over the time Schupan has been involved in it? A: Sustainable event management used to be called event recycling. It focused on bottles, cans, and food waste. Now, it encompasses much more. It goes beyond waste reduction to calculating the carbon footprint, identifying carbon reductions, water conservation planning, and community integration. It’s exciting to see how it’s grown. Q: What are the most impactful things businesses can do to make an event more sustainable? A: Any event can include basic recycling to divert items from landfills. Events, in general, have huge economic value—bringing local and out-of-town people into the community to dine, shop, and spend time is important. Q: What trends are you seeing with the businesses you work with? A: More and more events are aligning with corporate sponsors, a great way for businesses to get involved and gain recognition. This is a big shift. Corporations want to align with sustainability programming with public facing. It’s a nice shift. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.
