Inside Michigan’s Environmental Justice Landscape
Regina Strong serves as Michigan’s first Environmental Justice Public Advocate, leading the state’s Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate. Her role focuses on addressing environmental justice concerns raised by communities, helping residents navigate environmental systems, and working across state agencies to improve equity in environmental decision-making. SBN Detroit interviewed Strong about the challenges communities are facing across Michigan and what environmental justice work looks like in practice. Q: As Environmental Justice Public Advocate, what does your work look like day to day? A: There really is no typical day. This role was created to address environmental justice concerns and complaints, to advocate for equity, and to help communities navigate systems that can feel opaque or inaccessible. That can mean many things. On a given day, I might be working on our Environmental Justice Screening Tool as we migrate it to a new platform, meeting with one of our 43 grantees across the state, or sitting down with other state departments or divisions within EGLE, where my office is housed. Other days are spent directly with community members – listening to concerns, helping them understand what levers exist, and figuring out how to move forward. The work ebbs and flows depending on what’s happening in communities. Over the past seven years, we’ve seen some issues emerge seasonally, in response to new development, extreme weather, or long-standing infrastructure issues. Ultimately, my work is deeply relational and constantly evolving. Q: What are the most pressing environmental justice issues you’re hearing across Michigan and how do they differ between urban, suburban, and rural communities? A: There’s actually a lot of overlap across geographies. Whether people live in dense urban neighborhoods, suburban communities, or rural areas, we consistently hear concerns about water – lead service lines, contaminated wells in rural areas, and flooding. Air quality is another major issue, especially near industrial corridors or transportation infrastructure. In more densely populated areas, concerns often cluster around industry, waste facilities, landfills, and cumulative air pollution. In rural areas, it may be wells, septic systems, or access to clean drinking water. Across all regions, energy burden comes up frequently, particularly during winter months, when households are forced to spend a disproportionate share of income on utilities. Climate change is amplifying many of these issues. Flooding, power outages, and extreme weather events are becoming more common, and their impacts are not evenly distributed. The underlying issues may differ by location, but the throughline is vulnerability tied to infrastructure, income, and exposure. Q: What are the hardest gaps to close when translating community concerns into action? A: One of the biggest challenges is that environmental justice issues rarely fall under a single authority. A concern may involve state permitting, local zoning, county health departments, and federal regulations all at once. Our office often helps communities navigate those layers. From an environmental justice perspective, equitable access to decision-making is critical. We work to ensure voices are heard, especially in communities that have historically been underserved. We do a lot of resilience planning in – for example – the 48217 ZIP code (Southwest Detroit) in the heart of a very dense industrial corridor. We also work with communities near hazardous waste facilities and communities with drinking water concerns. Many of these challenges have deep historical roots. Our role is often about helping communities access resources, understand processes, and advocate effectively while acknowledging that solutions are rarely immediate, yet possible. Q: To that end, how does history complicate environmental justice work today? A: History matters a great deal. Many environmental regulations around air and water are set at the federal level and applied category by category. Communities, however, experience impacts cumulatively – air, water, land use, and health intersecting in daily life. That mismatch creates tension. Residents want holistic solutions, but regulatory frameworks don’t always account for cumulative impacts. Before the Clean Air Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, people lived near industrial facilities for decades – and still do. Laws have improved, but legacy exposure and infrastructure decisions remain. Balancing regulatory constraints with community realities is one of the most complex aspects of this work. Q: What structural or systemic barriers are hardest to change? A: Policy is often written within narrow frameworks that don’t always center people’s lived experiences. That’s a persistent barrier. Another is data – how it’s collected, interpreted, and applied. MI EJ Screen, the state’s environmental justice screening tool is designed to help address that gap. It looks at environmental conditions, demographics, and health indicators together, creating a shared reference point for communities, government, and industry. The first version was launched in 2024, and expanding its usability is a priority because shared data helps align conversations and advocacy. Understanding how existing laws interact and where they fall short remains both a challenge and an opportunity. Q: How has your background in clean energy advocacy and community development shaped your approach? A: Where you live often determines the challenges you face. Working in community development and later in clean energy made that clear. Lower-income communities and communities of color are more likely to experience environmental burdens, often due to proximity to industry or aging infrastructure. That perspective informs everything I do. Some issues can be addressed through regulation, but others require working directly with communities to improve daily quality of life. Our Environmental Justice Impact Grant Program is one example – 43 grants statewide, including many in Detroit, supporting grassroots organizations, schools and communities addressing local concerns. This office sits outside of regulatory enforcement, which allows us to take a broader, more human-centered view. Q: How do you think about progress for residents living with impacts right now? A: Progress can look small but be very meaningful. Having a dedicated office focused on environmental justice is progress. Having tools that didn’t exist before is progress. If progress means a senior is no longer dealing with basement flooding because they received support for a sump pump, that matters. We have to focus on both micro-level quality-of-life improvements and
Building the Next Generation of Urban Infrastructure
Founded in 1965, Gensler is a global architecture and design firm working across sectors including urban development, commercial real estate, and civic infrastructure. SBN Detroit sat down with Najahyia Chinchilla, senior associate and sustainability consultant, to discuss mass timber, embodied carbon, and what sustainable construction means for Southeast Michigan. Q: Why is wood re-emerging right now as a serious option for large-scale, urban construction? A: Mass timber blends strength, sustainability, and design quality in ways few materials can. Wood has been used for centuries, but today’s engineered timber products – CLT, glulam, DLT, and NLT – bring a new level of precision, consistency, and performance that aligns with modern building requirements, including strict quality control and predictable fire resistance. Another driver is the industry’s increasing focus on reducing embodied carbon. Compared to steel and concrete structural systems, mass timber can significantly lower a project’s carbon footprint. At the same time, sustainably managed forests contribute to carbon sequestration and biodiversity, while modern processing methods reduce waste. Wood’s lighter weight also cuts fuel use and emissions during transportation, particularly when sourced regionally. From a delivery standpoint, mass timber offers compelling schedule advantages. Prefabricated components, lighter assemblies, and the ability to sequence work in parallel can meaningfully shorten construction timelines, an increasingly important factor for clients who need projects delivered quickly and efficiently. Q: Detroit and the Midwest have long been defined by steel, concrete, and manufacturing. How does mass timber challenge or complement that legacy? A: Mass timber is highly complementary. Michigan was once the nation’s top lumber producer, giving the region a timber legacy that predates its steel and concrete era. At Gensler, we’re designing hybrid systems, such as Fifth + Tillery in Austin, that combine timber and steel to modernize existing structures. For each project, we partner with clients, engineers, and contractors to select the right system based on performance, sustainability goals, schedule, and budget. As mass timber gains momentum for its lower embodied carbon, it is also prompting steel and concrete industries to innovate and compete. Q: How do projects like the tall timber work featured at the MSU Tall Timber exhibit help shift conversations about what sustainable urban buildings can look like? The MSU Tall Timber exhibit, at Chrysler House (open until March, 2026), is a great way to broaden the conversation across the design and construction industries, real-estate community, property owners and the public on what is possible. The exhibit includes Gensler’s Proto-Model X project for Sidewalk Labs and mass timber projects from across the state. The curation team is also doing a great job of hosting events and panels that give project teams a chance to talk about projects and lessons learned. In legacy industrial cities, where we have a strong existing building inventory, we have a responsibility to preserve and repurpose our buildings. Nothing is more sustainable than reutilizing buildings and reducing waste, as seen with the Book Depository building in Corktown. For new buildings, we also have a responsibility to build for the future and make the best choices that we can with the materials at our disposal. Mass Timber is a responsible option and should always be considered. Q: Beyond sustainability, what design or human-scale qualities does mass timber introduce that more conventional materials often don’t? A: Wood brings a natural warmth and biophilic quality that supports wellbeing – lowering stress, improving cognitive function, and creating spaces that feel welcoming and calm. Exposing the structure adds authenticity and makes the architecture legible, helping people feel more grounded in the space. Q: What makes Michigan uniquely positioned to lead in mass timber and low-carbon construction? At the MSU Michigan Mass Timber Update in December, I was able to see the strength of the Michigan mass timber community coming together. The institutional leadership from Michigan State University and their director, Sandra Lupien, is positioning Michigan’s mass timber capabilities on a global level. Connections are being established across the market from – architects, structural engineers, MI EGLE, code officials, business and economic development associations, workforce training leaders to contractors and suppliers. Q: How could mass timber and life cycle thinking influence redevelopment in cities like Detroit, where adaptive reuse and reinvestment are central to the urban story? A: Detroit has led in adaptive reuse for over 25 years, proving that reinvesting in existing buildings delivers cultural, social, economic, and environmental value. Mass timber and lifecycle thinking are the next steps, offering lower carbon pathways as the city continues to grow. To make informed decisions, architects and clients need a full understanding of a material’s life cycle, from extraction and manufacturing to reuse and end of life. This is why circular economy thinking is so critical to future development. At Gensler, our Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards help guide this process by providing clear, industry-aligned criteria that accelerate the adoption of lower carbon materials in collaboration with the Common Materials Framework. Q: In a region shaped by reinvention, how do you see sustainable materials and measurement tools contributing to the next chapter of Detroit’s built environment? A: Detroit and Michigan have always thrived on reinvention. That same spirit of creativity positions the region to lead in the next wave of sustainable development. Our climate challenges, paired with the natural and industrial resources already here, create an ideal environment for adopting materials and strategies that will help Michigan thrive through future change. The growing investment in next-generation technologies is especially exciting. As industries across the state push toward innovation, there’s real potential for that momentum to drive broader adoption of low carbon materials, mass timber, and performance-based design tools. If we want to attract new residents, businesses, and industries, we need to shape buildings and public spaces that reflect where Detroit is going – healthy, efficient, resilient, and future focused. Q: As sustainability expectations continue to rise, what do you think will separate projects that genuinely reduce impact from those that simply meet minimum standards? Minimum standards are steadily improving as energy codes tighten and reduce allowable energy use, which means operational carbon is no longer the primary differentiator. What will set truly impactful projects apart is a commitment to addressing embodied carbon as well. Conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) early in design gives clients and teams a clear baseline and empowers them to make more informed material choices. Projects that are serious about reducing their overall footprint will also look beyond efficiency to incorporate clean energy—whether by purchasing renewables from their utility or integrating onsite solutions. Michigan is particularly well-suited for ground source heat pumps, with stable underground temperatures that perform reliably through freezing winters and hot summers, and a strong network of engineers and installers who understand the technology. In short, the leaders will be the teams that measure comprehensively, design holistically, and pair low carbon materials
Urban Tech Xchange and Detroit Smart Parking Lab
Now in its fourth year of operation, Urban Tech Xchange (UTX) has become a living laboratory where emerging technology startups can test, refine, and validate smart urban systems in real-world conditions. Launched through a collaboration between Bedrock, Bosch, Cisco, and Kode Labs, UTX builds on the foundation of the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (founded earlier by Bedrock, Ford, MEDC, and Bosch) expanding its scope beyond parking into logistics, energy, building automation, accessibility, and freshwater tech. What differentiates UTX from other technology incubators and accelerators is its emphasis on real-world deployment. Rather than testing concepts in isolation, startups pilot technologies directly within Detroit’s streets, curbsides, buildings, and rooftops, allowing solutions to be measured against real constraints such as emissions reduction, infrastructure utilization, and resident impact. Over the past four years, that approach has helped deploy dozens of pilots and move some into active use. SBN Detroit interviewed Kevin Mull, Bedrock’s Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives, about how Southeast Michigan’s legacy industries are shaping the next era of sustainable urban logistics—and how incremental efficiencies can deliver meaningful environmental gains at city scale. Q: What factors help position Southeast Michigan to rethink how urban logistics can improve daily life in cities like Detroit? A: Southeast Michigan has been designing, building, and deploying mobility solutions for generations. What’s different right now is that we’re at a special moment where the relationships, the talent, and the physical space all align. We have room to test ideas, and we have strong public-private partnerships that allow us to deploy technology. Bedrock’s Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) and Urban Tech Xchange (UTX) give startups the ability to move beyond theory. Through platforms like the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, we’ve been able to deploy a million dollars in grants to early-stage companies tackling real logistics and mobility challenges. Over the past four years, several of those pilots have become production-ready solutions now operating across Detroit—from curbside EV charging to streetlight-mounted charging systems. Q: How do wasted miles, underused infrastructure, or inefficient logistics affect urban environments and quality of life? A: Wasted miles translate directly into congestion, emissions, and frustration. Vehicles circling for parking, trucks idling in residential areas, or delivery vehicles double-parking because curb space isn’t managed well—all of that erodes the day-to-day experience of a city. Underutilized infrastructure is another big issue. Curbsides, loading zones, rooftops—these are valuable assets that often aren’t managed intentionally. At Bedrock alone, we process roughly 100,000 parking transactions per month. Every single one of those transactions is an opportunity to reduce friction or create value. We are focusing on solutions that remove friction. One example is IONDynamics, that’s working on automated EV charging. Another is HEVO – a wireless charging solution. Small improvements, repeated thousands of times, add up quickly. Q: How do smarter logistics systems change the way residents experience sustainability day to day? A: Sustainability becomes tangible when it improves daily life. Fewer vehicles circling means cleaner air and quieter streets. Better-managed loading zones mean safer sidewalks. More predictable deliveries mean less congestion during peak hours. One pilot we ran used a small autonomous robot to transport food scraps between restaurants and upcycling locations. Over the course of that project, it diverted more than 2,600 pounds of food waste and eliminated nearly 1,200 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions by replacing traditional vehicle trips. It also avoided the use of about 56 gallons of fuel. Those numbers matter, but what residents notice is the absence of friction—less noise, less traffic, and fewer large vehicles in tight residential spaces. Sustainability works best when it’s embedded into systems people already rely on. Q: How can improved last-mile logistics help reduce unnecessary driving and strengthen neighborhood connectivity? A: The last mile is one of the most important parts of the logistics chain and is often the most inefficient. A lot of energy is going into that space right now because it has outsized impact. Better coordination of curb space, smarter delivery scheduling, and multimodal solutions all reduce the need for unnecessary trips. When people can reliably park, receive deliveries, or access transit without friction, neighborhoods become more functional and connected. We focus on the edges—where parking garages meet transit, where delivery vehicles meet sidewalks, where people move between modes. Improving those interfaces creates meaningful gains without massive infrastructure investments. Q: Many of the technologies supported by UTX reduce congestion and emissions. How do you think about sustainability in this work? A: Sustainability is an outcome of better systems rather than the starting point. When you reduce wasted miles, idle time, and inefficient use of infrastructure, the environmental benefits follow naturally. If we can take miles off the street, shorten dwell times, or make curb space and parking more productive, we reduce emissions without asking people to change their behaviors. Across the Bedrock portfolio, we also think a lot about avoided infrastructure. For example, we’re exploring automated valet parking technology start-ups that aim to allow cars to park closer together and improve garage efficiency by an estimated 20 percent. That can delay—or eliminate—the need to build new parking structures, which has a significant embodied carbon impact. Another example is an automated robot charging solution from Ion Dynamics, which has a charging robot move to the vehicles require charging, which is a dynamic solution that avoids adding costly fixed charging infrastructure. The same logic applies to delivery drones, ground-based robots, and micro-mobility. Moving packages through the air or via small electric vehicles instead of gas-powered trucks reduces fuel consumption and congestion. Q: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for Southeast Michigan cities to improve logistics in ways that benefit both residents and businesses? A: The opportunities are everywhere, but they’re often measured in inches rather than miles. Smarter curbside management. Better coordination between delivery systems and transit hubs. More efficient use of shared infrastructure. Individually, these improvements may seem small. But in the aggregate, they have outsized impact. Through platforms like UTX and DSPL, we’re helping startups test those ideas, refine them, and scale what
Navigating Environmental Compliance
Butzel is one of Michigan’s longest-standing law firms, advising businesses across industries on regulatory compliance, environmental law, and complex commercial matters. As environmental expectations evolve alongside shifting regulatory realities, the firm plays a key role in helping companies navigate both legacy challenges and emerging risks. SBN Detroit interviewed Butzel shareholder Beth Gotthelf to discuss how environmental compliance, sustainability, and innovation are intersecting today — particularly in Southeast Michigan — and what businesses should be paying attention to in the years ahead. Q: From your perspective, what are the most consequential changes shaping how companies approach compliance and sustainability today? A: Many companies still treat compliance and sustainability as separate conversations. Compliance is something they aim for while sustainability is framed as an aspirational goal. Where those two intersect most often is when sustainability also makes business sense. Reducing water use, reusing materials, and improving efficiency often lower costs. Recycling and waste reduction can improve margins. As a result, many organizations are approaching sustainability less as a branding exercise and more as a fiscal and operational strategy. Q: How are businesses navigating the tension between accelerating sustainability goals and increasingly complex regulatory frameworks at the state and federal levels? A: Right now, I don’t see the same level of tension that existed a year or two ago, particularly in Michigan, unless they also have facilities outside of the U.S. or in California. Many companies still believe in climate action and sustainability, but they’re not always using that language domestically given the current federal environment. That said, sustainability reporting is mandated outside the US, with the European Union leading the way for larger firms, and nations like Australia, China, India, and Japan requiring disclosures. Those requirements still apply across all divisions, including U.S. facilities. One area where regulatory complexity is very real is battery recycling, particularly lithium batteries. The regulatory framework in the U.S. makes recycling more difficult than in other countries. That’s an area where we need better alignment to compete in the global market. There is progress happening, but it remains a challenge. Q: Southeast Michigan has a deep industrial legacy alongside growing environmental expectations. What challenges does that history create for remediation and compliance in this region? A: There are many. One challenge, for example, is that materials historically considered “clean fill” may no longer be viewed that way under current standards. The question becomes: do we excavate and remove it all? That creates dust for the area, truck traffic, emissions, road wear, and additional environmental impacts. In some cases, the net environmental benefit is questionable. We also face decisions around highly contaminated sites — whether to cap and manage contamination in place or attempt full remediation to pre-industrial conditions, which can be extremely costly and disruptive. I have simplified the issue but there is a balance between the desire to re-use contaminated sites (brownfield), finding a new productive use, and moving to a ‘greenfield,’ where you do not have to incur the cost, time, and worry of a brownfield. On the compliance side, Southeast Michigan has dense industrial areas adjacent to residential neighborhoods, particularly in places like Southwest Detroit. That proximity creates ongoing tension between maintaining industrial activity and protecting air quality and public health. These are not simple issues, and they require balance rather than absolutes. Q: Are you seeing a shift from reactive environmental compliance to more proactive strategies? A: Yes, overall companies are more proactive than they were decades ago. There’s greater environmental stewardship and awareness. There are better tools to allow for reuse, recycling, lower emissions, fewer chemicals being discharged in wastewater, better management of stormwater, etc. Companies are constantly looking and then implementing those tools. People, whether a resident, employee, or both–want products that last, clean water for swimming and boating, and healthy ecosystems — and they also want manufacturing and economic growth. Balancing those priorities is ongoing but can be done. We can build manufacturing and provide jobs while protecting the environment. Larger companies tend to have more resources to implement sustainability strategies and work with suppliers to raise standards. That said, the last year has been different. Incentives to pursue sustainability have diminished, and in some cases, companies feel penalized for investing in these efforts. That has slowed momentum for some organizations. Q: What role does innovation play in helping companies meet environmental obligations without stalling growth? A: Innovation is essential. It shows up in many forms — energy management software, automation, detection systems, improved chemicals, safer materials, and better protective equipment to name a few. There’s also a real opportunity to expand access to innovation, especially for small and midsize companies. More forums, education, and exposure to tools like energy tracking, water reuse, stormwater management, and greywater systems would help accelerate adoption. Innovation should be encouraged, not siloed. Q: How are climate-related risks influencing environmental decision-making in the Great Lakes region? A: Water quality has become a major concern. The Flint water crisis highlighted how municipal systems directly affect not just residential, but industrial operations. Poor water quality can damage equipment and disrupt production, forcing companies to install additional filtration and safeguards. Flooding is another growing issue. We’re seeing more frequent and severe rain events, impacting facilities across urban and rural areas alike. It is not good when a facility is flooded, potentially allowing chemicals to flow into the environment or causing work to stop. There are a variety of causes of flooding, some related to the drainage system on property, and some off property. Managing flood risk increasingly requires coordination between municipalities and private operators. Extreme weather — snow, wind, heat, flooding — is becoming part of long-term planning. Some larger companies are building redundancy across regions, but many Michigan businesses are smaller and must do the best they can within limited resources. Q: Compared to other regions, what opportunities does Southeast Michigan offer for sustainable redevelopment and clean manufacturing? A: Southeast Michigan has an abundance of industrial sites suitable for adaptive reuse, along with a strong workforce
Sustainability, Sourcing, and the Future of Michigan Manufacturing
Schaeffler is a global automotive and industrial supplier with operations in Southeast Michigan, where it works across the region’s manufacturing and supplier network. As sustainability, decarbonization and supply chain resilience become central to how products are designed and sourced, the region’s role in shaping next-generation manufacturing continues to evolve. SBN Detroit interviewed Courtney Quenneville, who oversees supplier sustainability, to discuss the realities of sustainable sourcing, what decarbonizing a supply chain looks like in practice, and how suppliers in Southeast Michigan can remain competitive amid changing expectations. Q: Southeast Michigan is historically known for automotive manufacturing. As supply chains evolve, what role do you see this region playing in the next generation of sustainable manufacturing and sourcing? A: Southeast Michigan has always been the heart of auto manufacturing, and I see this as a benefit to how we shape the future of sustainable supply chains. Our regional engineering expertise gives us the ability to embed sustainability standards into the earliest phases of design and production. We’re also fortunate to have many local organizations working to raise awareness and build connections across supplier tiers. This mix of awareness and collaboration is what creates the ripple effect that will carry sustainable manufacturing and sourcing into the next generation. Q: What does “decarbonizing a supply chain” actually look like in practice? Where does it begin and what makes it difficult to scale responsibly? A: Decarbonizing a supply chain is being intentional about reduction measures throughout every step, from raw materials being used all the way to delivery methods. It begins with transparency – understanding total emissions across the supply chain and then working directly with suppliers to find practical ways to reduce scope 3 emissions, especially purchased goods and services. The challenge is that not every supplier is at the same point in their sustainability journey; some are already investing in renewable energy or using greener materials, while others are just starting to measure their footprint. It’s important to understand where each supplier partner is at and help them take the next step. Scaling responsibly isn’t about expecting immediate results but building progress together. Q: What are the toughest sustainability challenges suppliers in this region are currently facing? A: Right now, suppliers in this region are facing a lot of uncertainty — tariffs, supply chain shortages, and constant pricing pressures. It’s no surprise that many suppliers feel stuck in crisis or response mode, which makes it harder to focus on long‑term sustainability. At the same time, these challenges highlight why resilience and sustainability go hand in hand. By working closely with suppliers and helping them take practical steps forward, we can show that sustainability isn’t another burden — it’s part of how they stay competitive through all of this change! Q: As more companies move toward science-based targets and emissions reductions, how will this shift affect procurement practices and supplier relationships? A: Just as Schaeffler has done, more companies will commit to science‑based targets, and sustainability will naturally become part of how they source. Procurement will no longer be just about cost and quality. Suppliers will need to be transparent about their emissions in the sourcing process as well as share future reduction levers. This visibility is crucial if we expect to continue reducing impact across the supply chain. The real shift is in relationships. Customers and suppliers will need to work together more than ever to accomplish shared sustainability goals. Once suppliers see how their sustainability efforts open opportunities, they’ll lean in further. Aligning with our suppliers on these initiatives will help determine the strength and future of our partnerships. Q: You’ve helped exceed renewable energy targets in the Americas. What insights have those efforts revealed about what’s working and what’s not? A: It has been encouraging to see the number of suppliers in the region that already have renewable energy plans in place — some are operating at 100% renewable, while others have clear roadmaps to get there. And importantly, they see that we are not the only customer requesting this information, which reinforces for suppliers that renewable energy is now a business expectation, not a side initiative. At the same time, we are learning that cost concerns can slow renewable energy adoption. Some suppliers are weighing the financial impact of renewable energy, which means timelines vary. That’s why our approach is to understand and help suppliers move forward from their current stage. We want progress that is collaborative and realistic. Q: In terms of equity and inclusivity in sourcing, how do supplier diversity and sustainability intersect and why does that matter for economic resilience in Michigan? A: In recent years, more automotive companies have aligned supplier diversity with their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives — and in my view, it’s the perfect fit. The ‘social’ pillar is about community development and corporate impact, and nothing strengthens communities more than fueling the local economy. Here in Michigan, we’re fortunate to have thousands of small businesses that are ready to bring innovation and resilience to our supply chains, and investing in these businesses helps build more sustainable communities. With growing pressures to localize production, this is the right moment for Michigan businesses to demonstrate their value. Looking forward, keeping a strong network of local suppliers will be critical, not only for resilience and competitiveness, but also for advancing sustainability across our supply chains and communities. Q: What does it take to ensure traceability and accountability across complex, multi-tier supply chains? A: Traceability is about visibility and accountability is about relationships – and transparency is key for both. It means having the knowledge of your direct suppliers and where materials come from upstream, backed by strong internal tracking and a sustainability team working towards a shared goal. Also, because of the complexity of the multi-tier supply chains, accountability must be handled through collaboration with suppliers – things like industry standards, shared audits, and supplier engagement. Q: Looking ahead five years — what shifts do you expect to see in sustainability requirements and expectations for
Preparing for the AI Energy Era
ThermoVerse is a Detroit-based urban innovation startup founded by engineer and researcher Shantonio Birch. The company’s work centers on advanced thermal energy storage and people-focused building technologies that reduce waste, stabilize indoor environments, and free up electrical capacity. SBN Detroit interviewed Birch about the future of grid resiliency, energy equity, and why Southeast Michigan is positioned to lead in next-generation smart city innovation. Q: What is the impetus behind the work you do? A: ThermoVerse is focused on one of the biggest stability issues we face: how do we allow high-energy users like data centers to coexist in communities without competing for the same energy we need to heat homes and businesses? Our goal is to reduce the largest source of energy consumption in buildings — the HVAC system — so more energy is available at the panel. We want to empower building owners to turn their buildings into value-added assets instead of liabilities. Q: What are the biggest challenges buildings face? A: It all comes down to energy. There are many issues in the built environment, and I think of buildings like the human body — everything is connected. We talk about indoor air quality and comfort, but when you look at economic development, the thing that will get this nation moving is our relationship to energy. Right now, poor power quality is being distributed through the grid and into homes, affecting how our devices and systems function. When you layer on additional demand from advanced manufacturing, EVs, and AI data centers, we’re going to experience more brownouts and blackouts. That’s the biggest challenge buildings are facing: how do we allow this huge economic wave — fueled by AI — without compromising communities? Q: What technologies or approaches will have the greatest impact on reducing energy waste in buildings? A: Anything simple. The biggest barrier for new technology is integration, so solutions have to be straightforward. I believe thermal energy storage is a major opportunity. It will play a huge role in meeting grid-resiliency needs. Renewables like solar are valuable, but they don’t solve the smart-growth challenge we face. We need growth that strengthens the grid rather than stressing it. Q: How does better thermal management translate into healthier or safer living conditions? A: I found my way into this field because I experienced heat stress in my own townhouse apartment during the pandemic while studying at U-M. I was close to heat stroke. We’re seeing more and more cases of heat stress in hospitals and communities now. Better thermal management helps reduce those risks. Beyond the health impact, there’s the economic side. Many people are spending a significant portion of their income on utilities. Improved thermal performance means lower bills, better living conditions, and more resilience as heat waves become more frequent. Q: What role can innovation play in addressing energy inequity — especially in aging housing stock and low-income communities? A: I’ll say this boldly: most existing building technologies were not designed with equity or people in mind. They were built around the question, “How do we cool this space so we can have people here?” At ThermoVerse, we flip that script. We build around the people first. People-centric technologies will play a huge role in reducing energy demand and supporting smart growth so AI and other advancements can coexist with communities instead of overwhelming them. Q: What makes Southeast Michigan a meaningful place to build and test smart-city and energy-efficiency technologies? A: If you look at major cities like Chicago or New York, Detroit stands out. We have the greatest potential for smart-city innovation because our built environment is underdeveloped in certain areas, making the starting point ideal. We can embed smart infrastructure into buildings more easily to enable fluid energy transfer between the grid and the built environment. There’s also a level of openness and willingness here that you don’t always find in cities that are already fully built out. Q: What barriers still slow down the adoption of innovative building technologies, even when they’re proven to reduce waste? A: Integration. That is the barrier for most proven technologies. We also have split incentives in the built environment. Building owners are our customers, but their customers — the tenants — want a better user experience. Then you have utilities, with power-purchase agreements and rate structures that complicate adding new technologies. And finally, the contractors. They’re the ones installing the equipment. If they don’t understand how a new technology fits into existing systems, it won’t be integrated. Heat pumps are a good example — contractor knowledge gaps can slow down adoption, even when the technology is solid. Q: For building owners looking to modernize, where should they focus first to get the biggest energy impact? A: If you’re going to modernize, you have to measure. Establish a baseline. Invest in sensors and meters to understand your energy use down to the unit. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Once you have visibility, you can start thinking about the ecosystem of technologies that will create the biggest short-term and long-term impact. Ultimately, we need buildings — and neighborhoods — where energy flows bi-directionally between the grid and the built environment. Q: Looking ahead, what do you believe will define the next chapter of energy innovation in Detroit and more broadly? A: Detroit has a deep understanding of how communities and businesses coexist. The next evolution of the built environment here will be people-based — designed around the experience of living and working well. Nationally, we’re at a very interesting moment in energy. For years, the “energy transition” has been politicized, and we’re now looking at it through an economic lens driven by AI. The biggest opportunity ahead is doubling our energy production to meet the demands of AI data centers. The White House recently launched the Genesis Mission — the largest investment in strengthening our national energy reserve to prepare for the new digital era. There’s an enormous opportunity for young people to enter this
Building a Circular Future
In the manufacturing world, sustainability is increasingly defined not just by recycling, but by what kind of recycling. For PolyFlex Products, based in Farmington Hills and part of Nefab Group, the future lies in creating closed-loop systems where materials are reused for equal or higher-value purposes — not simply “downcycled” into lower-grade goods. PolyFlex, which designs and manufactures reusable packaging and material handling solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors, is investing in circularity across its operations. The company’s goal is to ensure that plastics and packaging materials stay in circulation longer, retain value at end-of-life, and contribute to a more resilient supply chain. SBN Detroit interviewed Director of Sustainability Richard Demko, about the shift from downcycling to true circularity, the technical and cultural changes required, and what this evolution could mean for Michigan’s workforce and manufacturing economy. Q: What does “recycling for equivalent or higher use” actually look like in practice — and why is moving away from downcycling so important? A: Circularity, at its core, means manufacturing, recovering, and returning materials at end-of-life back into feedstock form to create something new. It’s about closing the loop — but we have to start with the basics: improving capture rates and diverting more material from landfills. The challenge is that recovery alone doesn’t guarantee success. One of the biggest barriers we face is the lack of demand for recycled feedstock. You can pour your heart into developing a fantastic recycling process, but if there’s no market for that material, the effort falls short. That’s why we need collaborative extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems that stabilize demand and make recycled regrind valuable, instead of punitive frameworks that simply point fingers. No single stakeholder can shoulder all the responsibility for circularity. It’s an ecosystem. Downcycling, meanwhile, is more like an off-ramp — it keeps materials out of landfills for a time but doesn’t truly close the loop. The goal is to return materials to their highest possible value so they can re-enter the economy at an equivalent or higher use. Q: In automotive supply chains, what opportunities do you see for keeping plastics and industrial packaging materials in circulation longer? A: Analyzing packaging fleets at the component level and asking what can be reused, what needs to be redesigned, and what truly has reached end-of-life is a great place to start. Pallets and lids are good examples. Often, those parts can be redeployed across multiple programs if you plan for it upfront. Traditionally, packaging was treated as disposable — once a product launched, everything associated with it ended up scrapped. Now we’re seeing a paradigm shift. Companies are designing for recyclability and reusability from the start. Some are even creating universal packaging platforms that can be shared across product lines. I like to say that carbon has become a kind of currency. When companies invest in reusable packaging, the return isn’t always measured dollar-for-dollar — it’s measured in carbon reduction. Those gains directly support broader sustainability goals, and, in some cases, they even help manufacturers comply with regulations that exempt circular packaging streams from waste classifications. At PolyFlex, we’ve already helped our customers divert several million pounds of plastic from landfills simply by applying design-for-recyclability principles and re-use strategies. It’s a shift toward smarter design — and it’s happening fast. Q: What are the biggest technical challenges in turning used materials back into high-value products — and where is the industry making progress? A: The biggest technical hurdle is consistency. Regrind blends vary depending on their source, and that variability can affect performance. The key is to manage it intentionally — introduce recycled feedstocks in small increments, fine-tune the process, and ramp up gradually. On the positive side, both equipment and operators are getting smarter. We’re seeing tremendous innovation in process technology that allows manufacturers to work with higher recycled content without sacrificing quality or throughput. Q: How do you design a product from the beginning with its second or third life in mind? A: It starts with identifying components that can become standards — like pallet dimensions or lid configurations that can be used across multiple applications. The more we can standardize, the more opportunities we create for re-use. It also requires a macro mindset. Instead of thinking in one product lifecycle, you think in systems. If you’re shipping a component from Detroit to Arizona, ask what can be sent back in that same flow. Can the packaging be refilled, reused, or repurposed? That kind of circular thinking transforms how supply chains operate. Material choice is another major factor. Corrugated packaging might last only a few trips, while plastics designed with the right impact resistance, UV stability, and weather tolerance can circulate for years. It’s about matching the material to its environment and expected lifespan. Q: Are there specific materials where circularity is advancing fastest — and others where it’s still a struggle? A: Rigid plastics — things like pallets, totes, and containers — are advancing the fastest because they’re high volume and easier to process. PET, HDPE, and polypropylene are particularly strong candidates because they can be reprocessed multiple times. Where we still struggle is with single-use, multi-layer packaging — the snack wrappers, films, and laminates that mix materials for barrier protection or freshness. Those layers make recycling extremely difficult. There’s exciting research happening in that space, but large-scale solutions are still developing. Q: What does a more circular plastics industry mean for jobs and skills in Southeast Michigan? A: It means opportunity — but it also means we need education. There isn’t a single university or technical program I know of that teaches recycling as part of its core curriculum. You can find polymer science programs but not recycling operations or circular systems. Training people for this industry is critical. If you lose a skilled recycling technician, you can’t just hire a replacement from a temp agency. It takes months or even years to become proficient. And with plastics recycling, mistakes are costly — something as simple as
Building a People-First Economy in Michigan
People First Economy is a statewide organization working to redefine what success in business looks like—where profitability, community wellbeing, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through education, measurement tools, and peer networks, the nonprofit helps Michigan businesses integrate social and environmental values into everyday operations. SBN Detroit interviewed Carlos Martinez, president of People First Economy, about shifting business mindsets, the growing connection between sustainability and profitability, and why Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead the next economy. Q: Tell me about People First Economy and how it came to be. A: At its core, People First Economy is about building tools and support networks that help shape an economy where people and environmental well-being are essential. We never shy away from the idea of the triple bottom line — businesses can absolutely make a healthy profit while supporting the communities they serve and the environment they depend on. We now serve more than 500 businesses statewide, from early-stage entrepreneurs to established companies. Much of our work centers on education and foundational business practices, but always through the lens of sustainability and inclusion. We started as Local First, which focused on supporting locally owned companies. Over time, our mission expanded to include environmental and social impact — because local economies thrive when businesses are sustainable, equitable, and community-driven. Q: As you work with cohorts, what mindset shifts do you see as companies move toward more inclusive, sustainable practices? A: The biggest shift happens when leaders stop viewing sustainability as an add-on and start seeing it as core to their business strategy. Once companies begin measuring their social and environmental impact, they start acting more proactively. Sustainability becomes part of how they innovate, manage costs, and create value. For larger or more mature businesses, this often leads to a broader cultural shift. They begin evaluating suppliers, employees, and even competitors differently — not as transactions, but as part of a shared ecosystem. That mindset unlocks collaboration and innovation. When companies realize that solving sustainability challenges can actually drive profitability, real transformation begins. Q: What tangible benefits do companies see when they measure their social and environmental impacts? A: One of the biggest is employee engagement. When people see that their company is making a positive difference, they feel connected to something larger than their job. We also see efficiency gains, cost savings from smarter resource management, and stronger brand loyalty. But there’s another layer — storytelling. When businesses can measure their impact, they can share those results in powerful ways. It becomes part of their identity. For example, Walker-Miller Energy Services and Cascade Engineering in Michigan both demonstrate how sustainability and inclusion strengthen brand reputation and build employee pride. More companies are now including impact reporting in their marketing or RFP materials because it helps them stand out. When you can prove your values, you open doors to new opportunities. A Harvard study recently found that purpose-driven companies embedding sustainability into their culture outperform the market nearly tenfold over two decades. That connection between purpose and profit is real. The business impact strategies create lasting value when they’re grounded in a deep understanding of a company’s financial metrics. Q: How do you encourage businesses to think about long-term value rather than short-term profit? A: This is always an evolving conversation, especially in challenging economic times. The key is understanding that we’re all interconnected. A diverse, resilient business community helps protect against national downturns and future disruptions. Companies that invest early in sustainable, innovative practices often find themselves better positioned when the market shifts. Patagonia is a good example — years ago, they were experimenting with regenerative agriculture, which at the time seemed niche. Today, it’s a standard for sustainable production. When you build trust, brand loyalty, and local supply chains, it creates stability. Over the long term, that stability translates to profitability. Q: Detroit and Michigan have a rich manufacturing legacy. How is the people-first model reshaping the regional narrative around business and jobs? A: Detroit is unique because it already has a strong foundation of community-based leadership. Other states look to Detroit as a model for what’s possible when innovation and inclusion go hand in hand. We’re still early in the process of embedding this mindset more broadly, but the momentum is there. When we opened applications for our latest sustainability cohort, we had more than 50 applicants for just 20 spots — which tells us there’s real appetite for this work. Our broader goals include connecting early-stage businesses with those further along in their sustainability journey — through tools, mentorship, and experiences like conferences where they can see what’s possible. It’s about building a community of practice. The more we connect those dots, the stronger our local economy becomes. Q: If you were advising a mid-size company in Detroit today, what’s the best first step toward embedding people-first practices? A: Start by understanding where you are. We always recommend beginning with a sustainability or impact assessment. Then pick one or two achievable goals, such as improving employee benefits, reducing waste, or sourcing locally. Progress happens through small, transparent steps, not perfection. I’m an entrepreneur myself, and when I first took an assessment myself, I panicked — but that’s the point. It’s about identifying opportunities for improvement, not judgment. Once you see where you can make a change, momentum builds. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Q: Where do you see the biggest growth opportunities for Michigan businesses in the next five years? A: Growth lies at the intersection of sustainability, equity, and innovation. The clean energy transition alone represents a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity. There’s also growing potential in circular manufacturing and workforce development and worker-owned cooperatives. We need to make sure those opportunities are equitable. Detroit has a majority Black population, and Michigan has several key regions with strong, diverse, but underserved communities. As major investments flow into green energy and infrastructure, it’s vital that local entrepreneurs and workers share in that growth. This is still a foundational phase. Some of the biggest
How Sesame Solar is Aiming to Build a Mobile Clean Energy Future
Sesame Solar, based in Jackson, Michigan, is pioneering a new model for clean, mobile power. The company’s self-generating “nanogrids” — compact, solar- and hydrogen-powered units that deploy in minutes — are designed to deliver renewable electricity anywhere it’s needed. From emergency response and telecom operations to defense and community resilience, the technology provides an alternative to the diesel generators that have long powered temporary and remote sites. SBN Detroit interviewed co-founder Lauren Flanagan about redefining energy resilience, the challenges of scaling clean power, and why Michigan is the right place to lead this transformation. Q: Tell me about Sesame Solar — what inspired it, and how did it begin? A: After Hurricane Katrina, it hit me that extreme weather was becoming more frequent and more severe. And it was clear that government alone couldn’t handle the response. Every time disaster struck, I saw diesel generators being deployed to restore power, even though they caused massive environmental damage and logistical problems. That was the “aha” moment. I wanted to create a clean, mobile, self-generating power solution that could replace diesel. Q: How did that vision turn into the nanogrid model you use today? A: We realized that to change behavior, we had to make the better solution easier — something that could be deployed quickly, run cleanly, and adapt to different uses. We created a model that is modular and scalable, like Lego blocks. The nanogrids can power emergency offices, communications systems, field kitchens, drone refueling stations and more. The first units were deployed in the Caribbean after Hurricane Maria (2017), and they’re still operating today. From there, we’ve expanded across the U.S. — our systems are used by cities from Ann Arbor to Santa Barbara, and by telecom companies like Comcast, Cox, and Charter. Q: What kinds of situations demonstrate the greatest need for deployable clean power? A: Disaster recovery is one, of course, but our nanogrids are also being used anywhere grid power is unreliable or unavailable. The Air Force and the Army Corps of Engineers use them for unmanned operations, including surveillance and communications. We’ve also developed hydrogen-powered drone refueling stations with partners like Heven Aerotech. We’re seeing use cases across emergency management, defense, telecommunications, and community resilience — really, any situation where people need dependable, sustainable power quickly. Q: What challenges come with making energy both mobile and self-generating? A: It’s hard. To make something that sets up in 15 minutes and runs off solar and hydrogen, you need deep integration between hardware, software, and automation. We hold multiple patents, and our engineering team has solved challenges around rapid deployment, autonomous energy management, and safety. Every component — from insulation and vapor barriers to passive energy systems — contributes to efficiency. We have a unit deployed with the Army Corps of Engineers that’s been running unmanned for nearly a year with zero downtime. Imagine if a diesel-powered generator was running for that long. And maintenance of the unit consists of blowing sand off the panels twice a year because it’s located in the desert. That’s the level of reliability we’re aiming for. Q: How do you measure the environmental benefits compared to diesel generators? A: We quantify it in CO₂ savings. Our software platform tracks every kilowatt generated and consumed, calculating gallons of diesel avoided and total emissions saved in real time. It’s data our customers can use to validate their sustainability goals. Beyond emissions, diesel generators are noisy, polluting, and often dependent on supply chains that fail during crises. A self-sustaining nanogrid avoids all of that. Q: You moved the company from California to Michigan. Why build here? A: Honestly, I wouldn’t have opened this business in California. Michigan offers lower operating costs, a strong manufacturing base, and deep expertise in mobility and electrification — all areas that align with our long-term vision to make nanogrids more automated. The state has a world-class supply chain. We buy from companies like Alro Steel, we hire engineers locally, and we also source as locally as possible. I like to say we take a farm-to-table approach to manufacturing: how much can we build right here in Michigan? Q: What opportunities does this create for Michigan’s workforce and suppliers? A: We’re growing quickly — we have 23 employees and are hiring more technicians now. The roles require multidisciplinary skills like fabrication, welding, mechanical, and electrical. Increasingly, there are opportunities for advanced computer-assisted and AI-driven roles too. Michigan’s existing fabrication and automotive supply chain is a huge advantage. As that sector transitions toward electrification, it’s opening new opportunities for clean-tech manufacturing to scale. Q: What does the next decade look like as extreme weather becomes more frequent and the energy transition accelerates? A: It’s predicted that we’ll see a significant number of billion-dollar weather events in the next five or six years. Even as we make progress in slowing climate change, we’ll still need to adapt. That’s where mobile, renewably powered systems can come in. They bridge the gap between infrastructure and immediacy — bringing clean energy wherever it’s needed. I’m an optimist. I believe the technology exists to stabilize the climate, but it won’t get easier before it gets better. At Sesame Solar, our mission has always been about people, planet, and profit. It sounds a bit fluffy, but we are working to help communities, companies, and governments prepare for the future — not just by responding to disasters, but by rethinking how we power the world in the first place. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on sustainable business practices in and around Detroit.
Rebuilding Electric Motor Manufacturing in Michigan
Farmington Hills-based Modal Motors designs and manufactures next-generation electric motors engineered for high torque density, simplified assembly, and scalability in the United States. The company’s transverse-flux architecture reduces reliance on rare-earth materials while improving efficiency and performance across mobility applications, including EVs, drones, and industrial equipment. By rethinking both motor design and manufacturability, Modal Motors aims to strengthen domestic supply chains and support the growing electrification industry. The company recently raise $2 million in a seed funding round that it will use to accelerate its transition from R&D and prototyping to full-scale manufacturing in Michigan. SBN Detroit interviewed company founder and CEO Michael Steenburg about reshoring manufacturing, supporting Michigan’s EV leadership, and the future of electric propulsion. Q: Give us the brief origin story. What motivated the creation of Modal Motors? A: Over the last 25 years, American manufacturing has moved steadily overseas. As electrification has accelerated, we’ve seen a slow-moving shift where innovation happens here, but production doesn’t. Early in my career, I focused on improving fuel efficiency in vehicles. That eventually led to developing my own motor IP. When I looked at the manufacturing reality, it was clear: If we wanted the U.S. to truly compete in electrified mobility, we needed to rethink how motors are built. Instead of designing motors that require extremely labor-intensive processes and then shipping production to Asia to reduce costs, we asked: What if we design motors that are simpler and more affordable to build here in the U.S. from the start? Modal Motors is about empowering a domestic ecosystem — not just for cars, but also for tools, industrial equipment, and new sectors like drones. We want to help restore middle-skill manufacturing jobs and global competitiveness. Q: As the EV transition accelerates, what strengths can Michigan leverage in next-generation motor technology? A: Michigan is uniquely positioned to lead in electric motors. We already have the materials: Magnets, copper, aluminum, and magnetic steel — all core materials for electric machines. We have the fabrication capabilities and the workforce tuned to advanced manufacturing. The state has done this before. During WWII, Michigan transformed its industrial capacity seemingly overnight. When you combine supply chain + skilled labor + materials, Michigan can support EVs from raw resource to finished motor. Q: Your motors use a transverse-flux architecture. What limitations of conventional motors drove that change? A: Traditional motors are built from dozens of wound poles — for example, 36 windings, each requiring extremely precise tolerances. In EV motors, the most important factor is the air gap between rotor and stator. Every tolerance stack-up tightens that gap, making efficiency dependent on expensive precision manufacturing. That’s where the U.S. loses cost competitiveness. Either you buy extremely complex machinery or you rely heavily on manual labor, and both increase cost. We simplified the architecture. Our drone motors have about 10 components. Fewer parts means faster assembly, fewer labor hours, and lower costs — while allowing us to pack in more conductive material like copper, which directly boosts efficiency. We also design for improved heat removal, which is critical because permanent magnets degrade if they overheat. It’s not magic. It’s applying well-understood engineering principles to reshape manufacturability. Q How does torque density influence vehicle performance and design flexibility? A: Higher torque density means more power in a smaller package. That gives automakers more freedom — lighter powertrains, more cabin space, and better range due to reduced mass. It also lets us rethink where motors go. You can decentralize propulsion — wheel motors are a great example — and that opens new possibilities for efficiency and architecture. Q: What role do motor efficiencies play in lifecycle sustainability? A: Once an EV is in use, there are no tailpipe emissions. Lifecycle emissions are determined by everything leading up to that point — and the more efficient the motor, the faster you reach carbon parity with internal combustion. The energy pathway matters too. Electricity can be generated cleanly and used directly in propulsion with relatively little loss. That’s fundamentally different from extracting, refining, transporting, and burning fuel. And increasingly, people are powering their vehicles at home with solar — something impossible with fossil fuels. Q: What makes a motor truly “greener” end-to-end? A: Cradle to grave matters. How materials are mined. How they’re processed. How much waste is generated. We design for net-shape molding, which means essentially zero scrap — compared to stamped laminations where 40–60% of material can become waste. Even if metal is recycled, that still requires energy. Eliminating waste helps both sustainability and cost, which reinforces competitiveness for U.S. manufacturers. Q: Where do you see your earliest applications? A: Right now, off-highway vehicles, low-speed on-road vehicles, and especially drones. We’ve seen enormous demand in aerospace and defense because propulsion reliability and supply-chain security are strategic priorities. Drones were the first to fully embrace emerging motor architectures. Q: How open are OEMs to integrating new propulsion architectures? A: It varies. Drone manufacturers are agile — they don’t have decades of legacy powertrain design to work around. Automakers are more cautious, but they’re increasingly interested in wheel-motor architectures because removing the centralized drivetrain frees up vehicle space and simplifies mechanical systems. There’s also a generational shift. Younger buyers are embracing smaller, more efficient vehicles. That shift aligns well with distributed propulsion. Q: What breakthroughs do you expect next in electric motor development? A: I see two major drivers. First, new materials. AI-accelerated materials science will unlock stronger, cooler-running, more recyclable magnetic and structural alloys — including non-rare-earth alternatives. Second is new manufacturing automation. Robotics — including humanoid robots — will soon handle complex manual steps at high speed and precision, enabling U.S. factories to operate 24/7. When you combine those, motor technology and production are both heading toward dramatic gains in efficiency and sustainability. 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